Popular cruise line issues serious health warning to passengers

Passengers who recently sailed with a popular cruise line received notice that someone on their ship was sickened by a serious type of pneumonia that’s typically spread through water mists created by things such as air conditioning units, hot tubs or showers.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, a cruise fan site not affiliated with Royal Caribbean, reported guests across various March and April sailings of the Symphony of the Seas received notification that someone on board was sickened by Legionnaires’ disease. Guests were not diagnosed on board and there has not been an outbreak tied to a specific sailing, the site noted.

After receiving notice of the diagnosis, Royal Caribbean said it “implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all (Centers for Disease Control) guidance.”

Legionella is contracted by inhaling water droplets from a source containing the bacteria. Most people who are exposed to Legionella don’t get sick but it can be dangerous for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches that typically start between 2-14 days after exposure.

This is the second time this year letters dealing with Legionnaires have been sent to Symphony passengers. A similar message was sent in January after two passengers were diagnosed with Legionnaires.