British Tourist Contracts Legionnaires’ Disease in Crete – A Stark Reminder of Hidden Waterborne Risks
With the summer holidays fast approaching we felt compelled to share this timely and sobering reminder of the very real risks posed by Legionella bacteria whilst on holiday… we’ve also included a really helpful guide from our team on what you can do to stay safe, see below.
A recent case involving a British holidaymaker falling seriously ill with Legionnaires’ disease while staying at a hotel in Crete serves as a timely and sobering reminder of the very real risks posed by Legionella bacteria in poorly maintained water systems.
A version of this article first appeared in Legionella Control International’s newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up here.
Legionnaires’ disease
Donna Jobling, 57, from Hull, is currently in intensive care at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion, Crete after contracting the disease during an all-inclusive holiday booked through easyJet Holidays. Ms Jobling’s condition deteriorated rapidly after she developed symptoms on 5 June, culminating in acute respiratory failure and pneumonia, a common and life-threatening complication of Legionnaires’ disease. Her case highlights how quickly the infection can take hold, particularly in individuals over the age of 50 or with existing health vulnerabilities.
Hotels and resorts can be high-risk environments for Legionella growth
At Legionella Control International, we frequently warn that hotels and resorts are particularly high-risk environments for Legionella growth, due to the complex network of plumbing systems and often seasonal use of facilities such as showers, spas, decorative fountains and cooling towers. The Greek health ministry has responded by issuing guidance to hoteliers across Crete, urging immediate checks and improvements in Legionella control practices, especially in water systems used for human consumption and aerosol-generating equipment.
As a precaution, easyJet Holidays has relocated guests from the affected hotel and is assisting those who have recently returned. While the source of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed, this situation underscores the importance of routine Legionella risk assessments, stringent water testing protocols, and the correct implementation of disinfection measures, especially in tourist accommodation where water systems may be idle or underused between seasons.
Legionnaires’ disease alert
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has also issued an emergency alert, reinforcing the seriousness of the incident. Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person to person but is instead contracted through the inhalation of tiny water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Common sources include hotel showers, spa pools, decorative fountains, and air conditioning systems.
Proactive control of Legionella is key
This tragic case illustrates the need for proactive Legionella control strategies, not only to protect public health but also to ensure compliance with local and international health and safety regulations. Hotels, travel companies, and water system managers have a duty of care to prevent such avoidable illnesses and the risks they pose to both guests and business reputations.
For expert guidance on how to manage Legionella risks in hotels and other commercial water systems, or to arrange a professional risk assessment, please contact Legionella Control International.
Leading water safety specialists
Legionella Control International is a world leading water safety specialist, supporting those responsible for the control of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in the workplace. Our expert water safety teams help keep water systems safe, protecting workplace health and safety.
If you are concerned by any of the issues raised here or you would like to speak with one of our water safety specialists, please call us today on 0330 223 36 86.
