Understanding the Risks of Legionnaires’ Disease in Hospitality 

Photo by Michael Schiffer on Unsplash

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious issue that can cause major health risks. This disease is most commonly associated with poorly maintained water systems across the world in hotels, resorts, and other similar hospitality venues. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, poses significant dangers, especially to travelers. Learn everything you need to know about how Legionnaires’ disease can spread in hospitality environments, its impact on businesses, and the crucial measures needed to stop outbreaks. 

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

For those unfamiliar, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal pneumonia-like illness that is caused by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. It was originally named after a 1976 outbreak that occurred at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia which left 34 people dead in total. The disease typically affects the elderly, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems, but anyone can technically contract it.

Symptoms of this disease can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to full-blown respiratory distress, with these symptoms appearing 2-10 days after exposure on average. Per the CDC, around 18,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to this disease yearly. Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality settings are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks as the complex water systems these establishments manage can be easily contaminated. 

How Legionella Bacteria Spread in Hospitality 

Understanding the common causes of Legionnaires’ disease starts with understanding how it spreads. Legionella bacteria thieves in warm and stagnant water, which means the extensive plumbing and cooling systems of hotels or resorts are prime breeding grounds. Common sources of the bacteria include cooling towers for air conditioning, decorative water fountains,  and poorly maintained hot tubs or spa rooms. Even simple showerheads and faucets can have Legionella bacteria if they are not regularly flushed out. 

Lapses in regular water treatment and maintenance can allow this bacteria to proliferate and potentially cause outbreaks. When water droplets are aerosolized, it becomes easy for guests and staff of hospitality venues to inhale them which can lead to infections. Proper design, disinfection, and routine testing of water systems are crucial steps to take to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria. 

The Impact on Guests and the Hospitality Industry

For guests in resorts and hotels, contracting Legionnaires’ disease can lead to severe health consequences, prolonged hospital visits, or even death. Individuals who are particularly vulnerable to this disease, such as older adults or those with chronic lung conditions, are at an even higher risk. Victims and their families often seek legal recourse when this disease is contracted which can result in costly lawsuits for hospitality businesses. 

The financial impact of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak extended further as well. If an outbreak is well-publicized it can tarnish the respiration of a hotel or resort and deter future bookings. On top of this, businesses will often face public health investigations and increased scrutiny that forces them to upgrade their facilities. Therefore, maintaining water safety is both a public health priority and an economic necessity for any business in hospitality.

Measure Hospitality Venues Can Take to Minimize Risk

Hotels and resorts can adopt a wide variety of strategies to minimize the risk of Legionella bacteria growth. The best way to do this is to run routine water testing and system maintenance, as well as keeping water temperatures outside the range in which Legionella thrives (77-113 degrees Fahrenheit). Aim to flush unused water lines and disinfect tubs or spas on a regular basis.

Filtration systems are also essential for removing legionella bacteria, and countless other contaminants, at the point of use. This is a crucial step, even if you’ve taken other precautions against bacteria growth in your water supply. What’s more, easily installable options like these AquaBliss shower filters don’t even require you to reach for your tool kit to start protecting your guests. 

Training the staff of your hospitality venue is another crucial strategy to reduce risk. Educate your employees about the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and how to spot the potential warning signs in water systems. These proactive steps will not only ensure guest safety but also safeguard your hospitality business from potential litigation and reputational damage. 

Enhance the quality of your water supply

Legionnaires’ disease remains a significant threat in hospitality settings, even in first-world countries. This is why focusing on prevention is so crucial. All guests should stay informed about safety practices and hotel operators must adhere to stringent water management protocols. Should you suspect that you’ve contracted Legionnaires’ disease from exposure, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. Assuming the contraction occurred due to the negligence of the hospitality venue you are staying at, don’t hesitate to seek out a personal injury lawyer who specializes in this disease type as they may be able to advise you as to legal next steps.