judydivescoz
Contributor
Just read this on another travel forum:
News From Cozumel
News From Cozumel
Legionnaires disease
- Thread starter judydivescoz
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Don't worry, Dandy Don will come up with a portable Legionnaire’s Disease detector for us.
deborahdelamar
Contributor
Please note that the Consular message refers only to Reef Regency/Wyndham Cozumel.
Full text follows:
U.S. Consulate Merida, Mexico Consular Section
Warden Message dated January 12, 2011
Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa, Cozumel, Mexico
The Centers for Disease Control today issued a news brief regarding an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa (formerly Reef Club Cozumel).
This warning pertains specifically to the above mentioned hotels, not to Cozumel as a whole. There is no generally elevated risk of Legionnaires Disease in Cozumel, the Yucatan Peninsula, or other parts of Mexico.
Following is the text of the news brief:
Situation Information
An outbreak of Legionnaires disease is ongoing at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa (formerly Reef Club Cozumel) on the island of Cozumel, Mexico. Since May 2008, there have been a total of nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease among tourists from the United States and the Netherlands who have stayed at this resort. Based on findings from a public health investigation in April 2010, disinfection of the resorts shared potable water system was recommended. Although measures were taken at the resort to disinfect the water system, in December 2010, CDC was notified of the ninth case associated with the resort, suggesting that there is an ongoing source of exposure.
Recommendations for U.S. Travelers
Legionnaires disease is a pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires disease is not transmitted from person to person. Misty water such as that given off by hot tubs, cooling towers, spray misters, showerheads, and faucets is a common source of Legionella.
Travelers at high risk of infection should consider staying at another resort or should avoid exposures to misty water at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and the Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa, especially showering. High risk groups include:
· Current or former smokers
· People aged 50 or older
· People with any of the following chronic health conditions:
o Diabetes
o Chronic lung disease, such as COPD or emphysema
o Weakened immune system that might be caused by cancer, organ transplant, certain prescription drugs
o Other chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, or liver disease
Rarely, people without any risk factors develop Legionnaires disease after exposure to Legionella.
Symptoms begin 214 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Many people also have diarrhea, headaches, or muscle aches. Legionnaires disease can be a severe and fatal illness but most persons will recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Travelers who develop these symptoms during their trip or in the 2 weeks following their trip should see a doctor. Travelers seeing a doctor in the United States should be sure to tell the doctor that they have traveled to Cozumel and stayed at the Regency Club Vacation Resort or Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa in Mexico. A milder illness caused by the same type of Legionella bacteria is called Pontiac fever. The symptoms of Pontiac fever usually last for 25 days and may also include fever, headaches, and muscle aches; however, there is no pneumonia. Symptoms of Pontiac fever go away without treatment.
More Information
The Legionella bacteria got its name in 1976 when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from pneumonia (lung infection). Each year, 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires disease in the United States. People get Legionnaires disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
For more information about Legionella, visit CDCs Legionellosis Resource Site. Legionella Topic Home | CDC Legionella
For additional information about travel to Mexico, visit the Mexico Destination Page on CDCs Travelers Health website.
Health Information for Mexico | CDC Travelers' Health
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Departments Internet web site at Welcome to Travel.State.Gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The State Departments main line can be reached at 1-202-647-4000. American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Departments travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Consulate in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, has responsibility for the Mexican States of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche. The Consulate can be reached during its regular business hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at 999-942-5700; by fax at 999-942-5777; and by email at meridacons@state.gov. After hours, for emergencies involving U.S. citizens, call the Consulates main number and follow instructions to be connected to the Merida duty officer.
Contact Information:
U.S. Consulate Merida
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Col. Alcala Martin Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
011-52-999-942-5700 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-250-3711 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-999-942-5700 (dialing from within Mexico)
942-5700 (dialing from within Merida)
Open Monday Friday, 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Consulate of the United States Merida, Mexico - Home
Consular Agency Cancun
U.S. Consular Agency Cancun
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH
Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico C.P. 77500
011-52-998-883-0272 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-640-2511 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-998-883-0272 (dialing from outside Cancun but within Mexico)
883-0272 (dialing from within Cancun)
Open Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Consular Agency Cozumel
Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Avenue) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
011-52-987-872-4574 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-459-4661 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-987-872-4574 (dialing from outside Cozumel but within Mexico)
872-4574 (dialing from within Cozumel)
Open Monday Friday, 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Consular Agency Playa del Carmen
Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Avenue) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico).
011-52-984-873-0303 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-370-6708 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-984-873-0303 (dialing from outside Playa Del Carmen but within Mexico)
Open Monday Thursday, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
For Local Mexican Emergency Authorities (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Dial 066
And I add: Dial 065 for Red Cross Ambulance which offers FREE emergency treatment & transport.
Full text follows:
U.S. Consulate Merida, Mexico Consular Section
Warden Message dated January 12, 2011
Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa, Cozumel, Mexico
The Centers for Disease Control today issued a news brief regarding an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa (formerly Reef Club Cozumel).
This warning pertains specifically to the above mentioned hotels, not to Cozumel as a whole. There is no generally elevated risk of Legionnaires Disease in Cozumel, the Yucatan Peninsula, or other parts of Mexico.
Following is the text of the news brief:
Situation Information
An outbreak of Legionnaires disease is ongoing at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa (formerly Reef Club Cozumel) on the island of Cozumel, Mexico. Since May 2008, there have been a total of nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease among tourists from the United States and the Netherlands who have stayed at this resort. Based on findings from a public health investigation in April 2010, disinfection of the resorts shared potable water system was recommended. Although measures were taken at the resort to disinfect the water system, in December 2010, CDC was notified of the ninth case associated with the resort, suggesting that there is an ongoing source of exposure.
Recommendations for U.S. Travelers
Legionnaires disease is a pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires disease is not transmitted from person to person. Misty water such as that given off by hot tubs, cooling towers, spray misters, showerheads, and faucets is a common source of Legionella.
Travelers at high risk of infection should consider staying at another resort or should avoid exposures to misty water at the Regency Club Vacation Resort and the Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa, especially showering. High risk groups include:
· Current or former smokers
· People aged 50 or older
· People with any of the following chronic health conditions:
o Diabetes
o Chronic lung disease, such as COPD or emphysema
o Weakened immune system that might be caused by cancer, organ transplant, certain prescription drugs
o Other chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, or liver disease
Rarely, people without any risk factors develop Legionnaires disease after exposure to Legionella.
Symptoms begin 214 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Many people also have diarrhea, headaches, or muscle aches. Legionnaires disease can be a severe and fatal illness but most persons will recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Travelers who develop these symptoms during their trip or in the 2 weeks following their trip should see a doctor. Travelers seeing a doctor in the United States should be sure to tell the doctor that they have traveled to Cozumel and stayed at the Regency Club Vacation Resort or Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa in Mexico. A milder illness caused by the same type of Legionella bacteria is called Pontiac fever. The symptoms of Pontiac fever usually last for 25 days and may also include fever, headaches, and muscle aches; however, there is no pneumonia. Symptoms of Pontiac fever go away without treatment.
More Information
The Legionella bacteria got its name in 1976 when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from pneumonia (lung infection). Each year, 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires disease in the United States. People get Legionnaires disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
For more information about Legionella, visit CDCs Legionellosis Resource Site. Legionella Topic Home | CDC Legionella
For additional information about travel to Mexico, visit the Mexico Destination Page on CDCs Travelers Health website.
Health Information for Mexico | CDC Travelers' Health
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Departments Internet web site at Welcome to Travel.State.Gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The State Departments main line can be reached at 1-202-647-4000. American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Departments travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Consulate in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, has responsibility for the Mexican States of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche. The Consulate can be reached during its regular business hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at 999-942-5700; by fax at 999-942-5777; and by email at meridacons@state.gov. After hours, for emergencies involving U.S. citizens, call the Consulates main number and follow instructions to be connected to the Merida duty officer.
Contact Information:
U.S. Consulate Merida
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Col. Alcala Martin Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
011-52-999-942-5700 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-250-3711 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-999-942-5700 (dialing from within Mexico)
942-5700 (dialing from within Merida)
Open Monday Friday, 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Consulate of the United States Merida, Mexico - Home
Consular Agency Cancun
U.S. Consular Agency Cancun
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH
Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico C.P. 77500
011-52-998-883-0272 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-640-2511 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-998-883-0272 (dialing from outside Cancun but within Mexico)
883-0272 (dialing from within Cancun)
Open Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Consular Agency Cozumel
Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Avenue) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
011-52-987-872-4574 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-459-4661 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-987-872-4574 (dialing from outside Cozumel but within Mexico)
872-4574 (dialing from within Cozumel)
Open Monday Friday, 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Consular Agency Playa del Carmen
Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Avenue) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico).
011-52-984-873-0303 (direct dial from the U.S.)
202-370-6708 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)
01-984-873-0303 (dialing from outside Playa Del Carmen but within Mexico)
Open Monday Thursday, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
For Local Mexican Emergency Authorities (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Dial 066
And I add: Dial 065 for Red Cross Ambulance which offers FREE emergency treatment & transport.
Which simply repeats the age old adage for Mexico: Don't breathe water!!
At the very least he'll be Googling up a storm and posting 101 links. :cool2:
I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often - if I recall correctly, tap water is stored on roofs of most buildings in those black tanks. Even if the water is chlorinated, those tanks will allow the chlorine to degrade, and therefore, allow bacteria to thrive.
Then again, maybe the infection source was from the cooling tower.
Hold your breath in the shower, people. :shocked2:
Then again, maybe the infection source was from the cooling tower.
Hold your breath in the shower, people. :shocked2:
diverken374
Contributor
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As Deborah's information explains,this is related to a problem at a particular resort and not to a problem endemic of Cozumel. This problem occurs sporadically in a variety of countries often/but not exclusively related to poor maintanance of air conditioning units.
cicopo
Contributor
Unfortunately the press doesn't care about specifics when it can generalize if it helps to scare people.
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