Advice for holidaymakers on how to stay safe from Legionnaires’ Disease abroad
As international travel picks up for summer holidays again, so too does the risk of certain health hazards - one of which is Legionnaires’ disease - a potentially life-threatening respiratory infection caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with the Legionella bacteria.
Recent reports from Crete, Greece, have brought this issue into sharp focus again, following the tragic case of Donna Jobling, a 57-year-old British tourist who contracted the disease during an all-inclusive holiday and was left in a coma in intensive care.
Recently, Irwin Mitchell have been instructed in the serious case of Legionnaires’ Disease brought on behalf of Richard Moore and the firm have vast experience of handling claims for victims of Legionnaires’ Disease.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila. It is not spread person-to-person but rather through inhalation of contaminated water droplets, often from stagnant water in:
- Air conditioning systems
- Hot tubs and spas
- Showers and taps
- Decorative fountains
- Hotel plumbing systems
Why the Concern in Crete?
Crete has long been a popular destination for British tourists, but recent cases - including in respect of Donna Jobling - have raised concerns about water hygiene standards in some hotel facilities. Jobling reportedly fell ill just days into her holiday and was later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, which led to acute respiratory failure.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
- People over 50
- Smokers
- Those with chronic lung conditions
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Tips to Protect Yourself When Holidaying Abroad
Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk when staying in hotels abroad:
- Do your research – before booking your holiday, do your research on holiday forum sites to ascertain any information about previous legionella problems and if there are any reports of illness, do not book.
- Run the taps and shower - upon arrival, run hot and cold taps and showers in your room for several minutes to flush out stagnant water. Keep the bathroom door open and leave the room during this process to avoid inhaling mist.
- Avoid inhaling steam from hot tubs and spas - unless you’re confident in the hotel’s hygiene standards, avoid using hot tubs or spa pools, especially if they appear poorly maintained or have a strong chlorine smell.
- Report any issued immediately - if your allocated room has a musty smell, discoloured water, or inconsistent water temperature, report it to hotel management and request a room change.
- Stay informed - keep up to date with travel health advisories from the UK Foreign Office or NHS Fit for Travel website, especially if you're visiting regions with recent outbreaks (such as Crete).
- Take out travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage - ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment abroad, including intensive care and repatriation, if needed.
While Legionnaires’ disease is rare, it is serious and sometimes fatal – but preventable. The case of Donna Jobling is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, especially when staying in hotels with shared water systems. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind.
Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting holidaymakers who have fallen seriously ill or have been seriously injured abroad. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 291 2277.
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