Legionnaires’ disease in Crete: tourist intubated in intensive care.
The Positivity Rate of Water Samples for Legionella Bacteria in Crete Reaches 50%, Causing Legionnaires’ Disease
Water testing in Crete has revealed that up to 50% of the samples contain the Legionella bacteria, the culprit behind Legionnaires’ disease.
This positivity rate is honestly pretty alarming—on par with what you’d expect in the early days of a major public health scare.
The bacterium Legionella loves water systems like those found in hotels and big public buildings.
If you breathe in contaminated water droplets, you could end up with a nasty lung infection. It’s especially dangerous for folks who are already vulnerable.
Key Facts about the Legionella Issue in Crete
Aspect |
Detail |
|---|---|
Positivity rate |
~50% of water samples tested positive for Legionella |
Affected locations |
Mainly hotels and tourism-related water systems |
Health risk |
Legionnaires’ disease with high mortality in severe cases |
Preventive focus |
Water system controls, regular testing, and public awareness |
Authorities involved |
Regional Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Organisation |
Recent Actions Taken
- Emergency meeting: Regional health officials and hotel owners sat down to hash out next steps.
- Increased testing: Water sampling is ongoing at multiple tourism-related sites.
- Health guidance: Preventive actions are being pushed to keep things from spiraling.
- Education efforts: Seminars and training for hotel staff are in the works.
Preventive Measures Recommended
- Routine disinfection and maintenance of water systems.
- Keep water temperatures out of Legionella’s comfort zone.
- Use filters and biocides where it makes sense.
- Monitor regularly and jump on any positive test results.
- Train the folks handling water management—don’t just assume they know.
The risk to Crete’s tourism industry is real, and authorities are leaning hard on prevention without causing panic.
If things get worse, European health agencies could start issuing travel advisories, which would hit Crete’s tourist sector where it hurts.
Sticking to strict water hygiene in hotels and public spaces is the name of the game.
Legionellosis – Legionnaires’ Disease
Information for Tourist Accommodation Managers
Legionellosis is a bacterial infection, mostly going after the lungs as Legionnaires’ disease—or a milder version called Pontiac fever.
The bacteria thrive in water systems you’ll find all over tourist accommodations: think hot and cold water networks, pipes, tanks, and the like.
Key points for managers include:
- Legionella likes water between 20–45°C.
- It multiplies in stagnant water—pipes, tanks, water heaters, you name it.
- Showers, hot tubs, fountains, and cooling towers are the usual suspects for contaminated aerosols.
- Bacteria can hide out in biofilms and scale inside plumbing.
- It spreads by breathing in contaminated aerosols—not from person to person.
Risk environments in accommodation:
Source |
Risk Factors |
|---|---|
Water tanks and reservoirs |
Stagnant or warm water |
Hot and cold water systems |
Temperature between 20°C and 45°C |
Showers and taps |
Low water flow, infrequently used rooms |
Air conditioning cooling towers |
Aerosol production |
Spa pools and hot tubs |
Warm water, poor maintenance |
Decorative fountains |
Aerosol from stagnant water |
Managers really ought to keep a close watch on water temperatures—hot water above 50°C, cold below 20°C. That’s the sweet spot for keeping bacteria in check.
Maintenance and prevention tips:
- Flush outlets in unused rooms—don’t let water sit around.
- Clean and disinfect storage tanks and pipes on a schedule.
- Chemical treatments are an option, but use them wisely.
- Check and clean cooling towers, pools, and spas often.
- Install controls to keep water temps where they should be.
- Make sure staff actually know what Legionella is and how to keep it out.
Groups at higher risk to inform guests and staff:
- Anyone over 50.
- Smokers and ex-smokers.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Those with chronic lung disease or other health issues.
Honestly, keeping up with water system maintenance is the best bet for tourist facilities to dodge Legionnaires’ outbreaks and look after public health.
Heraklion: Tourist in intensive care for a week due to Legionnaires’ disease
A 57-year-old British tourist is fighting for her life, intubated in the ICU at Venizelio Hospital in Heraklion.
She got seriously sick while staying at a local hotel, with severe breathing trouble and overwhelming weakness. Tests confirmed she picked up Legionnaires’ disease, thanks to Legionella pneumophila.
The infection triggered acute respiratory failure and pneumonia. She was rushed to the ICU on 10 June and is still intubated.
Doctors say she’s stable for now, but she’s under constant watch and getting intensive care.
What is Legionellosis?
Legionellosis is a sudden-onset bacterial infection that mostly targets the lungs. It’s caused by bacteria from the Legionella genus—there are over 50 species, but 28 can make people sick.
The main troublemaker is Legionella pneumophila, especially serogroups 1 and 6.
There are two forms of legionellosis:
-
Pontiac Fever
A mild, flu-like illness—usually clears up on its own. -
Legionnaires’ Disease
A much more dangerous form, mostly as pneumonia. Without quick treatment, it can be fatal in 5% to 30% of cases.
Characteristics of Legionella
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Nature |
Gram-negative bacterium |
Habitat |
Widely present in natural and man-made water systems |
Growth |
Thrives in warm water environments (20–50°C) |
Common Sites |
Hot and cold water supply systems, cooling towers, air-conditioning units, plumbing systems |
Transmission |
Inhalation of contaminated water droplets |
Risk Groups |
Older adults, smokers, people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases |
Environmental Conditions Favouring Legionella Growth
- Warm water temperatures between 20°C and 50°C
- Stagnant water in pipes or tanks
- Presence of biofilms or sediments in water systems
- Inadequate maintenance and disinfection of water sources
Legionella multiplies in these conditions, making it easier for people to get exposed through tiny water droplets in the air.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
- High fever, often above 39°C (102°F)
- Chills and shivering
- Cough, which might be dry or produce sputum
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Muscle pain and headaches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sometimes, stomach issues like diarrhoea or nausea
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis means finding Legionella in respiratory samples, using urine antigen tests, or blood cultures. X-rays or CT scans usually show pneumonia.
Treatment is all about antibiotics that work on Legionella—macrolides or fluoroquinolones are the go-tos. The sooner you start, the better the odds of recovery.
Public Health and Prevention
Health authorities recommend:
- Regular maintenance and cleaning of water systems in hotels, hospitals, and public buildings
- Monitoring water temperature and disinfecting plumbing systems
- Prompt investigation and control measures after any Legionella infection case
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should water samples be taken from hotels in Crete for Legionella testing?
Water samples in Cretan hotels should be taken regularly, usually every 3 to 6 months. The right frequency depends on the hotel’s size, how complicated the water system is, and whether there have been Legionella issues in the past.
If a previous test shows contamination, more frequent sampling might be needed.
What specific measures are implemented in Cretan hotels to prevent Legionella contamination?
Hotels usually put a few important steps in place:
- Routine cleaning and disinfection of water systems
- Keeping hot water above 60°C and cold water under 20°C
- Preventing water from sitting too long in pipes by using or flushing it often
- Regular checks and risk assessments by specialists
What are the legal requirements for Legionella control in hotel water systems in Crete?
The law requires a few things:
- Risk assessments for water systems
- Regular Legionella testing and keeping proper records
- Following both national and EU rules on water safety
- Taking action if Legionella is found, so health standards are met
What steps should be taken if Legionella bacteria are detected in hotel water supplies on Crete?
If Legionella turns up in a test, here’s what’s usually done:
- Notify health authorities right away.
- Step up disinfection, using high heat or chemical biocides.
- Retest the water after treatment to make sure the bacteria are gone.
- Look at maintenance routines and improve them to avoid a repeat.
What temperature control protocols are advised to inhibit Legionella growth in hotel water systems?
Temperature matters a lot here:
- Hot water should be stored at 60°C or higher—that’s what kills the bacteria.
- At the taps, hot water should be at least 50°C to avoid any cool spots.
- Cold water needs to stay below 20°C to keep bacteria from multiplying.
Who is responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of water systems to prevent Legionella in Cretan hotels?
Responsibility lies with:
- Hotel management for overall safety and compliance
- Trained staff or appointed water safety officers for daily monitoring
- External experts or risk management companies for inspections, testing, and advice
Honestly, those roles and duties need to be spelled out—preferably in writing—and someone should actually check on them now and then.
