CDC Issues Guidance for Vacation Rental Owners in Puerto Rico to Reduce Legionella Risks

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance to help reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in short-term rental properties. The guidance outlines steps to help prevent Legionella growth in building water systems and water features commonly found in rental properties.

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that occurs when people inhale small water droplets contaminated with the bacteria.

“Travel-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to overnight stays in hotels, private homes, cruise ships, and vacation rentals,” said Harry Peña, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 7 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease reported staying overnight away from home during the time they were likely exposed. The CDC also notes that roughly 1 in 10 people who develop Legionnaires’ disease die from the infection, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.”

Potential exposure sources in vacation rentals include hot tubs, faucets, showerheads, and decorative fountains, especially where warm temperatures, stagnant water, and low disinfectant levels allow Legionella to grow. Short-term rental properties can also experience frequent periods of low occupancy that lead to stagnant water and increased chances of Legionella amplification. Warm climates such as Puerto Rico and the Caribbean can further increase the risk if water systems are not properly maintained.

Steps Vacation Rental Operators Can Take

CDC recommendations include maintaining proper disinfectant and pH levels in hot tubs, flushing faucets and showerheads after periods of inactivity, cleaning fixtures and replacing filters regularly, and keeping water heaters at temperatures that limit bacterial growth.

Implementing water management practices and conducting testing can help property owners identify risks early and protect guests and staff. To help mitigate these types of risks, Zimmetry’s industrial hygiene, infection control, and environmental professionals offer water management programs that include testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services.

To learn more about this, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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