Health Department reported Legionella cases on St. Croix and St. Thomas

The Virgin Islands Department of Health said on February 7, 2022, that one instance of Legionella bacteria had been identified on St. Croix and one on St. Thomas.

Deputy Health Commissioner Reuben Molloy said during the Government House weekly briefing that Legionella can cause flu-like symptoms that may develop into severe pneumonia, known as Legionnaires’ disease, if not diagnosed and treated quickly. He said symptoms can include cough, muscle aches, shortness of breath, headache and fever.

Molloy said the bacteria is typically found in warm water environments such as cisterns, hot tubs and commercial air-conditioning systems cooled by water. He said infection occurs by inhaling water vapor containing the bacteria, not by drinking water, and that it is not airborne and cannot be passed between people.

Health officials advised residents and businesses to routinely clean cisterns, hot tubs and air-conditioning systems to reduce the risk of exposure.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/department-of-health-updates-residents-on-legionella-bacteria-found-in-both-districts/