Did you know that cruise ship hot tubs are a major cause of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks? Going on a trip to a foreign country is a go-to vacation idea for many people. However, there are more thrilling vacation options like going on a cruise. To some, that’s a perfect vacation, full of all the fun, sunshine, and enough relaxation.
While this might be the perfect time to spend your holidays, there’s something many people don’t realize; that is how dangerous a cruise ship hot tub can be. A lot of people believe hot tubs to be safe and clean, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, some passengers have gotten sick from legionnaires’ disease. This disease is a lung infection caused by bacteria that can grow in hot tubs.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that causes the air sacs in one or sometimes both lungs to be inflamed. This inflammation causes the lungs to be filled with pus or liquid, making it hard to breathe. This disease is caused by a specific bacterium called Legionella, which can be found in natural water sources and manmade water systems.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Just like any other disease, people with Legionnaires’ disease experience a range of symptoms. These symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria. These symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Confusion
Transmission of Legionnaires’ Disease
The spread of this disease happens when a person breathes in tiny water droplets that contain the Legionella bacteria. This bacteria can grow in warm water environments like cooling towers found in air conditioning, showers, and even tubs.
When the water is heated, it creates tiny droplets or mists to form. This mist can easily be inhaled, unknowingly taking in the Legionella bacteria. Once the bacteria is inside your lungs, they can multiply and cause ah infection. The body doesn’t sit still when all these are happening. The body’s immune system responds to this infection, leading to inflammation.
Anyone can get legionnaires’ disease but people like older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get this disease.
Why You Should Avoid Cruise Ship Hot Tubs
Hot tubs on cruise ships can be just the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Legionella bacteria love it when the water is warm and still. The hot tubs are usually kept at warm temperatures of around 95-104°F. When the water isn’t moving or treated properly, the bacteria multiplies faster. If these tubs aren’t cleaned regularly, they can easily become filled with bacteria.
Also public hot tubs, just like public pools and gyms are mandated to be kept clean and safe for use at all times. They’re inspected, well-maintained, and treated.
But it’s not the same for cruise ships. Most times on a cruise ship, there are either private hot tubs or smaller tubs in the guest suites. There are very few inspections going on there, and very few rules to ensure the tubs are cleaned regularly. Without a strict cleaning and inspection policy, the batter can grow more quickly.
In addition, it’s very easy for said bacteria to spread from one area of the ship to another. Since the hit tubs, pools, and showers, may share the same water system, it’s easy for germs from one spot to find it’s way into another.
Conclusion
Going on a cruise is exciting, but the hot tubs on these ships may not be as safe as they seem. These warm, often poorly cleaned tubs can be a perfect place for bacteria called Legionella to grow. This bacteria can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection.
Because hot tubs on cruise ships are not always inspected or cleaned as often as public hot tubs, they carry hidden health risks.
