The CDC has raised concerns regarding the safety of private hot tubs in cruise ship staterooms, citing links to Legionnaires' disease after 12 cases were reported from two cruise ships. Unlike public hot tubs, these private amenities face less stringent cleaning and maintenance standards, contributing to potential growth of Legionella bacteria. Passengers are advised to ensure cleanliness before use, and cruise operators need to improve safety protocols to mitigate health risks associated with these private hot tub facilities. Additionally, norovirus outbreaks continue to challenge cruise safety, with a new strain being reported.
Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks of Legionnaires disease among cruise ship passengers.
These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than are public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.
It is important for cruise ship operators to inventory hot tub-style devices across their fleets, evaluate the design features that increase the risk for Legionella growth.
Travelers can use test strips to test hot tub water to find out if the hot tub is being properly operated.
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