Health authorities have confirmed the presence of dangerous Legionella bacteria in the whirlpool of a hotel in Demänovská Dolina, a popular tourist area in the Low Tatras mountains. (source: Freepik)
Health authorities have confirmed the presence of dangerous Legionella bacteria in the whirlpool of a hotel in Demänovská Dolina, a popular tourist area in the Low Tatras mountains. The finding follows the death of a 65-year-old woman from Pezinok in western Slovakia, who was staying at the hotel as part of a senior citizens’ group holiday.
The woman passed away in June, with laboratory tests later confirming she had contracted Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila. Health inspectors launched an epidemiological investigation into her contacts and the hotel facilities. Of the 45 people on the group trip, six reported illness, and four tested positive for the bacterium, according to The Slovak Spectator’s partner My Liptov.
While water samples from the hotel’s rooms, pool and showers were within safe limits, the whirlpool (or “vírivka” in Slovak) returned unsatisfactory results. Iveta Triznová, head of the regional public health authority, confirmed that Legionella levels in the hot tub exceeded legal thresholds.
“The whirlpool sample did not meet the required standards,” Triznová said. As a result, wellness facilities including the hot tub and pool were temporarily closed. Most have since reopened, but the whirlpool remains shut pending further testing.
Hotel responds to Legionnaires’ concerns
Although it cannot be conclusively proven that the woman contracted the disease at the hotel, the timing and clustering of other cases raised concerns. Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural water sources, but become dangerous when allowed to proliferate in artificial systems – such as hot tubs, spa pools, air conditioning units or water tanks – particularly when maintenance is poor.
The hotel, identified as Hotel FIM, stated it had cooperated fully with health authorities. “We responded immediately, undertaking extensive disinfection, ozone treatment, and technical inspections,” the hotel said in a statement. “All water samples, including from drinking and pool water, have since returned clear, with the exception of the whirlpool.”
Summer heat raises Legionnaires’ risk, say experts
Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects older adults and those with weakened immune systems. It is typically contracted by inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria. In Slovakia, around 100 cases are reported annually, with the elderly, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses particularly vulnerable. The fatality rate can reach 10 percent or higher in high-risk groups.
Experts warn that risks rise in summer, when warmer temperatures promote bacterial growth in stagnant water systems. Preventative measures include maintaining hot water above 50°C, ensuring proper circulation, and regularly cleaning showerheads, taps, and pipes.
Slovak authorities stress that drinking contaminated water does not pose a significant threat unless it accidentally enters the lungs, for example, through aspiration.
The hotel has pledged to reopen the whirlpool only after it meets all health and safety requirements. “We are taking the situation very seriously,” the statement read, “and are committed to the highest standards of hygiene and guest safety.”
