Overview

• The CDC linked 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease to private hot tubs on two cruise ships between November 2022 and July 2024.
• Private balcony hot tubs, which are not subject to the same stringent cleaning as public ones, were found to harbor Legionella bacteria.
• Outbreaks resulted in 10 hospitalizations, highlighting the severe health risks posed by inadequately maintained hot tubs.
• CDC recommends cruise lines adapt public hot tub maintenance standards for private tubs to prevent future outbreaks.
• Both affected cruise ships have since implemented stricter cleaning protocols, including draining tubs between uses and removing heating elements.