Hotel stays are a lot more than relaxation and leisure. This infographic breaks down the dangers of waterborne illness in hotel environments.

1. www.liquitech.com
To enjoy your hotel stay, be on the alert for waterborne illnesses that
could be lurking. The most important concerns: Cryptosporidiosis and
Legionnaires’ Disease. Here’s what you need to know.
HOTEL H YGIENE:
WATCH OUT FOR THE WATER
HOTELS AND WATERBORNE ILLNESS
The CDC reports the following. What you see may surprise you.
WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE?
•
A pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that must be
treated immediately.
•
Early symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath, nausea
and chest pain.
•
Water heaters, cooling towers and warm, stagnant water
promote its growth.
• Airborne moisture in hotels can contain the bacteria.
33% OF RECREATIONAL WATERBORNE DISEASE
OUTBREAKS OCCUR AT HOTELS.
90% OF LEGIONNAIRES’ OUTBREAKS ARE PREVENTABLE
WITH BETTER WATER MANAGEMENT.
CASES OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OCCUR ANNUALLY
IN THE U.S., MOSTLY IN POOLS AND HOT TUBS.
748,000+
Liquitech.com: Hospitality and commercial
WHAT IS CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS (CRYPTO)?
• Crypto is a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium.
•
You get it from swallowing water contaminated with fecal
matter from an infected person.
•
Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, weight loss, cramps,
pain and fever.
• CDC-approved levels of chlorine in a pool will not kill it.
HOTEL HEALTH TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Hot tubs and showers increase your chances of inhaling Legionella.
Ask the hotel if it follows AHLA standards for monitoring and mitigating Legionella bacteria.
Don’t go in recreational water if you’ve had diarrhea within the last two weeks.
Shower before you go in the pool to remove germs that could contaminate the water.
Never swallow water in pools, hot tubs or showers.
Report incidents of diarrhea in the water immediately.
Take kids on frequent bathroom breaks and check diapers in a diaper-changing area, not near
the pool.
Watch out for scalding beverages and scalding water in showers and sinks.
Drink bottled water whenever you can.
Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.
Research the quality of drinking water in the area you are visiting.
68˚-122˚F
Legionellae growth range
95°-115°F
Ideal growth range
131˚F
Legionnellae die within 5 – 6 hours.
122˚F
Above 122˚F, Legionnellae can
survive but do not multiply.
151°F
Legionellae die within
2 minutes.
Below 68˚F
Legionnellae can survive,
but are dormant. Cold water
in storage tanks, piping,
decorative fountains and other
equipment should be kept
below 68˚F.
140°F
Legionellae die within
32 minutes.
158°-176°F
Rapid kill range. Heat water
to 158˚F for disinfection.
LEGIONELLAE GROWTH CHART
Mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com
Sources
Osha.gov: faq.pdf | Wqpmag.com: Diarrheal outbreaks frequently linked swimming pools
Continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com: Water safety and efficiency in hospitalitybuildings
Makefoodsafe.com: Avoiding legionnaires disease in hotels