A federal report on two unrelated Legionnaires' disease outbreaks at hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands found Legionella bacteria in guest room water systems, including cold water lines that stay warm enough in tropical heat for the bacteria to grow.
Legionella is often linked to hot water systems because the bacteria grow best between 77 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. In a tropical climate, cold water lines can also fall within that range. The report's authors said the findings show the need for Legionella control guidance tailored to warm climates.
