The dangerous bacteria found at Hotel on the Cay late last week was not from the potable water in its cistern, the Virgin Islands Health Department said Tuesday.
The hotel’s drinking water, wastewater, and other systems were tested Monday. Three reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease likely originated in individual water fixtures in the hotel’s rooms, said Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis.
“Our testing identified Legionella in the shower head, kitchen sink, and bathroom sinks in those rooms. Legionella is most commonly contracted while showering, as the bacteria can aspirate from the shower head and enter an individual’s lungs, eyes, or mouth. This is the most likely mode of transmission in these cases,” Ellis said in a written statement.
Health officials ordered the hotel closed Friday after the outbreak. Soon after, false rumors began that the hotel’s drinking water supply was infected, said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion.
“Since the department halted operations at Hotel on the Cay due to the confirmation of Legionnaires’ disease cases, there has been speculation about the source of the Legionella contamination,” Encarnacion said in the statement. “We want to state unequivocally that the contamination source was neither the potable water system nor the wastewater treatment system.”
Encarnacion said hotel staff had cooperated in addressing the issue and that extensive plumbing replacements and decontamination efforts were completed.
Operator and assistant manager Sara St. Rose said nothing like the outbreak had happened in her 32 years at Hotel on the Cay. She was eager to reopen but unsure when they’d be allowed to do so.
The samples from the hotel’s water systems have been sent off-island for further testing. Health officials expected to receive testing results by next week.
The Legionella can cause severe flu-like symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms typically develop two to 10 days after exposure, and individuals at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems, health officials have said.
Guests who stayed at Hotel on the Cay within the past two weeks are advised to monitor their health and report any symptoms to their health care provider. The Health Department has established a hotline at 340-725-5389 or 340-774-7477 ext. 5647 to provide information and answer questions from the public, it said.
