An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease was reported on two cruise ships owned by American Cruise Lines.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cruise ship induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease from water on a cruise ship, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak on American Cruise Lines
In February 2023, the FDA sent a warning letter to American Cruise Lines after an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease on the American Heritage and American Star cruise ships.
How Many People Got Sick?
Three people who cruised aboard the American Star and American Heritage in 2021 were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, according to the CDC. The cases were reported in April 2021 (American Heritage), the beginning of November 2021 (American Star), and at the end of November 2021 (American Heritage).
93% of Water Samples Test Positive for Legionella
In April 2022, FDA inspectors found that 93% of drinking water samples on the American Star contained Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. It was found on showerheads, sink faucets, drinking water holding tanks, and more.
Legionella Found on American Heritage Cruise Ship
In June 2022, FDA inspectors found that 7% of drinking water samples on the American Heritage cruise ship tested positive for Legionella, including a showerhead and a bathroom faucet aerator in a passenger cabin.
FDA Concerned About Legionnaires’ Risk
The FDA warned that American Cruise Line did not take adequate steps to eliminate Legionella bacteria from the ships’ water system after the CDC confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease.
The FDA wrote: “After being notified of two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease with travel onboard the American Heritage, you did not change your procedures for flushing or disinfection and did not perform potable water or environmental sampling.”
American Cruise Lines also owns 15 other cruise ships, and while no other cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported, the FDA was concerned about the risk for more waterborne disease outbreaks.
What is the Risk?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of bacterial lung infection (pneumonia) that is deadly for about 10% of people who are infected. High-risk people include those who are over 50 years old, and people with underlying lung issues like emphysema.
How Does Legionnaires’ Disease Spread?
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are found naturally in freshwater sources, such as lakes and streams. The problem is that Legionella can contaminate human-made water systems, such as buildings with complex plumbing, cruise ships, fountains, hot tubs, hot water tanks, showerheads and sink faucets.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe tiny water droplets in the air that contain the bacteria. The symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after a person breathes the bacteria into the lungs.
Signs & Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Some of the early symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
Do I have a Cruise Ship Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cruise ship induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease from water on a cruise ship, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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