Health
Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to cruise ship hot tubs, CDC says
Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to U.S. cruise ship hot tubs, according to reports.
Private outdoor hot tubs on the balconies of two cruise ships were pinpointed as the source of multiple infections between November 2022 and June 2024, as stated in a report last month from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Epidemiologic, environmental and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease among cruise ship passengers,” the CDC said in the report.
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Hot tubs can foster Legionella bacteria due to their warm temperatures, which are ideal for bacterial growth, according to Waleed Javaid, MD, epidemiologist and director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York.
Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to U.S. cruise ship hot tubs, according to reports. (iStock)
“The bubbling and aerosolization make it easy for bacteria to be inhaled, which is the primary way people get infected,” Javaid, who was not affiliated with the CDC report, told Fox News Digital.
What to know about Legionnaires’ disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Long Island, New York.
When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.
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Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically spread from person to person, per the CDC.
Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, Handel warned.
Private outdoor hot tubs on the balconies of two cruise ships were pinpointed as the source of multiple infections between November 2022 and June 2024. (iStock)
“Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain,” said Handel, who also was not involved in the CDC report.
Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.
A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.
To reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transmission, the CDC recommends that cruise ship staff members apply the stricter public hot tub maintenance and operations protocols when using private outdoor hot tubs. (iStock)
The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.
Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a health care facility, according to the CDC.
Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications, according to the CDC.
If someone suspects they were exposed to Legionella bacteria, it is important to see a health care professional right away, as early intervention may increase the chances of a full recovery, infectious disease experts told Fox News Digital.
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“If you’ve recently used a hot tub and are worried about Legionnaires’ disease, watch for symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches,” which can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure, Javaid advised.
“Act quickly if you notice these signs, especially if you fall into a vulnerable category,” he added.
The CDC’s findings
Twelve cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported among cruise ship passengers on two different vessels, according to the CDC report.
Out of the dozen sickened individuals, 10 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
The cruise ship companies were not identified in the report, and were only named as cruise ships A and B.
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The CDC determined that the private hot tubs were operating in ways that fostered Legionella growth.
These conditions included water running at temperature ranges of 77 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit for several days, “without draining and operating with no residual disinfectant,” according to the report.
The report also noted that individuals could have been exposed without using the hot tubs, which were located near outdoor areas where aerosols could be disseminated.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in any area where water sits for a long time. (iStock)
Private hot tubs on cruise ships are subject to “less stringent operating requirements than public hot tubs,” the agency noted.
Ships A and B did adhere to the current CDC requirements for operating and maintaining private hot tubs, but these steps were not sufficient to prevent Legionella growth.
The cruise ships cooperated with the investigation and made efforts to mitigate Legionella growth, per the CDC report.
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To reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transmission, the CDC recommends that owners and operators of hot tubs follow safe operation and maintenance procedures to prevent exposure to Legionella.
“Additionally, an automatic disinfectant dosing system, rather than handfeeding disinfectant, is an important design feature to help prevent growth,” the CDC said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
Enjoying hot tubs safely
The experts shared steps people can take to minimize exposure to bacteria when using hot tubs.
“I advise people who are worried to stay informed, but not alarmed,” Javaid said.
“I also advise keeping an eye on the hygiene standards of hot tubs in public spaces, especially if you are someone at higher risk.”
It’s reasonable for cruise-goers to ask questions about how hot tubs are maintained and disinfected, Javaid said, and it’s best to avoid hot tubs that “smell strange or seem poorly kept.”
“The hot, stagnant water has the potential to transmit a number of harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause severe illness in high-risk individuals.”
“Certain populations should exercise extra caution, including individuals of advanced age, smokers, people with chronic lung conditions and immunocompromised people,” the expert added, noting that these groups are particularly vulnerable to Legionnaires’ disease.
Handel echoed that hot tub owners should follow health guidance on maintaining sterile water and machinery.
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“While properly maintained hot tubs can be safe, people who are older or are immunocompromised may want to speak with their medical providers before using one,” Handel cautioned.
“The hot, stagnant water has the potential to transmit a number of harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause severe illness in high-risk individuals.”
Legionella infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems. (iStock)
The CDC provided the following general recommendations to Fox News Digital.
“Some general practices to prevent Legionella as well as other waterborne germs at home include flushing faucets and showerheads after not using them or water pressure drops, cleaning and maintaining devices that use water (e.g. humidifiers, nasal rinses, showerhead and faucet aerators, water filters), and checking and flushing water heaters.”
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On a brighter note, Handel noted that there have been some improvements in water treatment and monitoring, which has resulted in Legionella infections becoming less common.
Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.
“Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain,” an expert said. (iStock)
Fox News Digital reached out to four popular cruise lines to discuss their hot tub maintenance protocol, but had not heard back as of publication.
Fox News’ Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
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Small fragments of plastic were found in the tumors of most prostate cancer patients, according to a new study from NYU Langone Health.
In past studies, microplastics have been found in almost every human organ and in bodily fluids, but their impact on human health still isn’t fully understood.
The researchers analyzed tissue samples from 10 patients with prostate cancer who underwent surgery to remove the entire organ.
Using visuals of both benign samples and tumor samples, as well as specialized equipment, the scientists identified plastic particles in 90% of the tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue samples, according to the study press release.
In past studies, microplastics were found in almost every single human organ along with bodily fluids, even the placenta. (iStock)
The cancerous tissue contained on average more than double the amount of plastic as healthy prostate tissue samples, the study found. This equates to about 40 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue compared to 16 micrograms.
Researchers avoided contaminating the samples with other plastics by substituting standard tools with those made of aluminum, cotton and other non-plastic material, the release noted.
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The scientists say this is the first direct evidence linking microplastics to prostate cancer.
“By uncovering yet another potential health concern posed by plastic, our findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory measures to limit the public’s exposure to these substances, which are everywhere in the environment,” said senior study author Vittorio Albergamo, assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the release.
Using visuals of both benign samples and tumor samples, as well as specialized equipment, the scientists identified plastic particles in 90% of the tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue samples. (iStock)
The study findings were presented during the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco on Feb. 26.
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“What is most striking is not that microplastics were detected, but that they were found embedded within tumor tissue itself,” Dr. David Sidransky, oncologist and medical advisor at SpotitEarly, a startup that offers an at-home breath-based test to detect early-stage cancer, told Fox News Digital.
“While complete avoidance is unrealistic, people can take practical steps to reduce exposure.”
“We already know microplastics are present in water, air, blood and even placental tissue. Their detection in prostate tumors suggests systemic distribution and long-term bioaccumulation,” added Maryland-based Sidransky, who was not involved in the study.
Study limitations
Albergamo cautioned that a larger sample is needed to confirm the findings. Additionally, Sidransky noted that the presence of microplastics alone does not prove they cause cancer.
“Tumors can act as ‘biologic sinks,’ meaning they may accumulate circulating particles simply because of altered vasculature and permeability,” he said.
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A key unanswered question, according to the doctor, is whether microplastics are biologically active in ways that “promote DNA damage, immune modulation or chronic inflammation within the prostate.”
About one in eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The most actionable step men can take is appropriate screening and early detection, according to doctors. (iStock)
For those concerned about microplastics, Sidransky offered some insights.
“I believe the appropriate response is curiosity, not panic, and a commitment to understand more,” he said.
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“While complete avoidance is unrealistic, people can take practical steps to reduce exposure, such as minimizing heating food in plastic containers, reducing bottled water consumption when possible, and favoring glass or stainless steel alternatives.”
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The most actionable step men can take, however, is getting appropriate screenings to help ensure early detection, according to the doctor. Screening discussions should be individualized based on age, family history and other risk factors.
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There has been a shake-up in the Make America Healthy Again movement regarding glyphosate, a widely used herbicide that has been the subject of significant controversy.
The debate follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that ensures an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides related to national defense.
MAHA supporters have previously pushed a pesticide-free agenda, warning of potential health harms caused by glyphosate.
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, said he believes there is sufficient evidence linking glyphosate to neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, to warrant limiting exposure.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that ensures an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides related to national defense. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
“With Parkinson’s, this association appears to be due to the gut, vagus nerve and brain axis, where the exposure affects the microbiome in the gut, which then ascends slowly up to the brain, causing the neurodegenerative disease years later,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.
“There is also a growing association being found between high-dose glyphosate or occupational exposure and metabolic disorders, liver disease and some cancers, specifically lymphoma.”
He added, “Growing research backs this. I favor limiting it.”
“When we apply them across millions of acres and allow them into our food system, we put Americans at risk.”
Studies have shown that glyphosate, which is used in products such as Roundup, owned by Monsanto, could raise cancer risk.
In one University of Washington study published in the journal Mutation Research, researchers found that exposure to it increased the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%.
The nonprofit Investigate Midwest, which analyzed data from both the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Cancer Institute, also recently found that pesticides may contribute to cancer rates.
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Among the top 500 counties for per-square-mile pesticide use, more than 60% had cancer rates above the national average of 460 cases per 100,000 people, according to the report.
Investigate Midwest, which is based in Illinois, interviewed more than 100 farmers, environmentalists, lawmakers and scientists as part of a partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship.
Among the top 500 counties for per-square-mile pesticide use, more than 60% had cancer rates above the national average of 460 cases per 100,000 people, according to one study. (iStock)
Iowa, which used 53 million pounds of pesticides last year, holds the nation’s title for second-highest cancer rate.
Bill Billings, a resident of Red Oak, Iowa, was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.
“The cancer specialist said, very directly, (my) cancer is a result of being exposed to chemicals,” Billings said in the report.
Kelly Ryerson, founder of Glyphosate Facts and owner of the Instagram account @glyphosategirl, told Fox News Digital her journey researching the herbicide began with her own health struggles.
Ryerson, who is based in California, previously struggled with chronic illness and autoimmune issues, which she said improved when she stopped eating gluten.
Iowa, which used 53 million pounds of pesticides last year, holds the nation’s title for second-highest cancer rate. (iStock)
After attending a medical conference at Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center, Ryerson began to question modern farming practices rather than the gluten itself.
“A lot of times, farmers are spraying Roundup on our grains right before harvest to facilitate an easier harvest,” she said. “After that easier harvest, because everything’s dry at the same time, those crops go directly to the mill and may end up in our food supply, at alarmingly high levels.”
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In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization framework, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
The classification was based on limited evidence of cancer in humans (notably non-Hodgkin lymphoma in some studies) and sufficient evidence in experimental animals.
“President Trump’s executive order reinforces the critical need for U.S. farmers to have access to essential, domestically produced crop protection tools, such as glyphosate,” a Monsanto spokesperson said. (Wolf von Dewitz/picture alliance via Getty Images)
A spokesperson for Monsanto told Fox News Digital it will comply with Trump’s order to produce glyphosate and elemental phosphorus.
“President Trump’s executive order reinforces the critical need for U.S. farmers to have access to essential, domestically produced crop protection tools, such as glyphosate,” the spokesperson said.
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been a vocal critic of Roundup, working with his legal team in 2018 to award $289 million to a man who alleged the weed killer caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to reports.
Following backlash to Trump’s executive order, Kennedy said he supports the order but acknowledged that “pesticides and herbicides are toxic by design, engineered to kill living organisms.”
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“When we apply them across millions of acres and allow them into our food system, we put Americans at risk,” he posted on X. “Chemical manufacturers have paid tens of billions of dollars to settle cancer claims linked to their products, and many agricultural communities report elevated cancer rates and chronic disease.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
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