Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. Also, private hot tubs aren’t cleaned as regularly as public hot tubs, allowing the bacteria to fester. The first ship’s hot tubs operated “in a manner conducive to legionella growth” for months. Testing on the first ship found legionella in six of the 10 available hot tubs and all eight private hot tubs of the second ship. All private hot tubs were temporarily closed and thoroughly cleared and the cruise lines have since implemented new measures to minimise the risk of bacteria growth.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 04, 2024 10:22 UTC