Shocking Legionnaires’ Disease Scare: How cruise ships can stop Legionella outbreaks, and protect their bottom line. Recent reports of Legionnaires’ disease on cruise ships have everyone on high alert. While Legionnaires’ disease is rare, cases linked to cruise ships have been reported in the past. In fact, CDC identified 12 cases of Legionnaires’ disease connected to two cruise ships over the course of 18 months between November 2022 and June 2024. One can only assume how the rest of the fleets are dealing with these ongoing challenges. Just the mention of Legionella has triggered extra sanitizing on multiple vessels. But with legal implications along with reputational and financial losses at stake, cruise lines must take action comparable to healthcare facilities that have elderly and health challenged occupants.
Why Cruise Lines Must Act
1. Legal & Financial Consequences of Legionella
Cruise lines are under the microscope by health authorities whenever a single case of Legionella, or any other health issues, are reported. Investigations can result in fines, expensive refitting of the potable water system and possible lawsuits from affected passengers. And worst of all, bad publicity can kill bookings and result in big revenue loss.
2. High Passenger Vessel
Modern mega cruise ships can carry 6,500+ passengers and crew – some with as many as 9,000 people on board. This density requires complex potable water distribution networks, comparable to healthcare facilities and hotels, and increases the exposure risks of Legionella. When (not if) Legionella bacteria are present in a ship’s water system, passengers will be exposed and those susceptible to infection normally start showing symptoms approximately 2 to 14 days after exposure. (Symptoms can occasionally start at less than 2 days or more than 14 days)
3. Limitations of Traditional Methods
Chlorine water treatments or thermal eradication (high heat) methods can only go so far – and come with their own set of operational headaches (corrosion issues, chemical handling, scalding risk, lack of dispersion). Most importantly, they are not designed for continuous Legionella growth prevention. As soon as the higher disinfectant levels are reduced back to normal levels, or that the higher water temperatures are brought back to safety levels, the bacteria will come back within a few weeks. These “short-term remediation” methods are not sustainable over a long period of time.
The Copper-Silver Ionization Solution
After 33 years in the field of Legionella research and water treatment I have seen many technologies that claim to tackle this pesky bacteria. Time and again copper-silver ionization has been the most effective long-term solution for Legionella control. But not all ionization systems are created equal.
- CSIPhoenix® is the only copper-silver ionization system in the world that has the sophistication and output power to handle the largest cruise ships afloat – even those with over 9,000 passengers and crew. Its advanced monitoring and adjustable ion-release settings ensure consistent disinfection levels regardless of how complex the vessel’s plumbing system is.
- By continuously releasing controlled levels of copper and silver ions into the water supply, CSIPhoenix® creates an environment that is hostile to Legionella and prevents the bacteria from regenerating. The system also eliminates corrosion and chemical usage issues – common problems with older methods.
Why Cruise Operators Should Share This with Public Safety Teams
1. Legionella Prevention Over Crisis Management
Waiting for Legionella to be found on board can result in forced ports of call, negative press and lawsuits. By installing a proven 24/7 solution like CSIPhoenix, cruise lines are telling passengers that safety is their number one priority.
2. Reputation and Revenue
In the competitive cruise industry a single outbreak can damage a brand’s reputation for years. Installing an ionization system reduces the legal and financial risk and becomes a selling point for safety conscious passengers.
3. Public Health Guidelines
Health authorities worldwide require proactive measures against Legionella – especially on cruise ships.
Time to Act
Legionnaires’ disease may be rare but it’s a serious risk to passenger well being and a cruise line’s financial stability. The industry can no longer rely on old methods to control waterborne pathogens. With CSIPhoenix® copper-silver ionization ships of any size can be vigilant, protect their guests and their brand.
About the Author: Chris Gauthier is the founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of ProCare Water Treatment Inc., with over 33 years of experience in microbiology and Legionella prevention. Chris has driven innovation in copper-silver ionization technology, establishing ProCare as a leader in water treatment solutions for healthcare, government, and commercial sectors. Known for his dedication to safety and results, Chris has worked hands-on with facilities across the globe, helping them achieve long-term Legionella prevention through proven, reliable technology.
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