In June 2025, the ECDC have issued an emergency alert in Crete following the hospitalisation of a British Tourist after contracting Legionnaires’ disease while on holiday in the region.
Legionellae are naturally occurring in open water systems and can also be present in mains water systems. Legionellosis is the term given to the group of diseases caused by Legionella, including the most severe Legionnaires’ disease - an atypical form of pneumonia – as well as the “flu-like” illnesses Pontiac fever. And Lochgoilhead fever.
Legionella can proliferate in water temperatures of between 22˚C and 50˚C and causes disease primarily through the inhalation of water droplets, or aerosols, that contain the bacteria. Due to the soaring temperatures in Europe this summer (with many places having daily average temperatures in excess of 30˚C), water supplies will experience heat gain compared to normal conditions and so may further encourage Legionella growth in these systems.
Additionally, water outlets in hotel rooms/villas could have been unused for extended periods since the last guests occupied the room and used them. Unused water will then sit in the length of pipework leading to the showers or sinks creating stagnant conditions. Areas of stagnation in the water are the ideal environment for Legionella to flourish, increasing the number of bacteria and therefore the risk of legionellosis.
Shower heads and other spray outlets create aerosols that could be inhaled by anyone using them. Hand wash basins can also create small amounts of aerosols with the potential of inhalation through splashing of water against the basin. Due to the combination of the various risk factors, hotel washrooms and showers are the ideal environment for Legionella to proliferate, with raised water temperatures, potential stagnation through lack of use, and the ready creation of aerosols.
Running the showers and washbasin outlets and leaving the room (but don’t cause any flooding of course) at the start of your stay can help to reduce the risk of legionellosis. This will flush through the water in the pipework, helping to remove any stagnant water that may have been sat there since the room was last occupied. Check your showerhead(s), etc. are clean and damage free too.
If you need any support with Legionella management or water hygiene management within your organisation, please get in touch.