Rising numbers of Legionella cases: how holidaymakers can protect themselves in summer
Wertheim, 23 June 2026 – More and more people are becoming infected with Legionella whilst travelling. The bacteria are usually transmitted via inhaled water droplets, for example when showering or in whirlpools. Thomas Beutel, head of a DIN working group on water treatment and a specialist in disinfection systems at Lutz-Jesco, explains how holidaymakers can protect themselves.
Fever, cough, headaches and severe fatigue instead of sun, beach, cocktails and the sea. According to the latest Annual Report of notifiable diseases, there were 2,237 cases of Legionella infection in Germany in 2024. Added to this are the cases that are not registered. In 2001, there were just 328 cases. Around 20 per cent became infected whilst travelling.
Although the infection is mild in most cases and often resembles a common cold, it can lead to serious complications in high-risk individuals. In 2024, 104 people died as a result of Legionella infection.
“In view of these rising figures, it is becoming increasingly important for holidaymakers to take safety precautions when travelling,” says Thomas Beutel, head of a DIN working group on water treatment and a specialist in disinfection systems at Lutz-Jesco. “The good news is that the risk of contracting Legionella while on holiday will then be extremely low.”
Let the shower run in a hotel room
If a hotel room, apartment or holiday home has not been used for some time, for example after the winter break, water may have been standing in the pipes for a long time. This provides ideal conditions for Legionella bacteria to grow. When someone then steps into the shower, they inhale the bacteria via tiny water droplets, which enter the lungs. It is therefore recommended to run all taps and the shower for two to three minutes upon arrival to flush stagnant water from the pipework.
Please note that most buildings have separate pipes for hot and cold water. For this reason, both the hot and cold taps should be run separately. “Holidaymakers should also make sure to leave the bathroom during this time”, says Thomas Beutel. “Doing so minimises the risk of inhaling aerosols that could contain Legionella.”
Take care with whirlpools, jacuzzis and hot tubs
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water if it is not properly disinfected. At the same time, the water jets and bubbles create tiny airborne droplets that bathers can inhale. “That is why the risk of Legionella is higher there than in normal swimming pools”, says Thomas Beutel. “Anyone who notices cloudy water, unpleasant odours or obvious hygiene issues should refrain from using them.”
According to Thomas Beutel, anyone who takes these points into account is generally on the safe side. The likelihood of becoming infected via other sources is low. “Air conditioning systems in hotel rooms, for example, are not a typical source of infection. They cool and circulate air, but do not spray water containing Legionella,” says Beutel. Human-to-human transmission also plays virtually no role. “Legionella is not normally transmitted from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or close contact.”
About Thomas Beutel
Thomas Beutel is a seasoned water management expert who has specialised in dosing and disinfection systems since 1988. He has been with Lutz-Jesco GmbH since 1997. In addition to his main role, he has built a strong reputation as an authorised expert in swimming pool technology and dosing system design since 2005.
Beutel is actively involved in various committees and working groups within the drinking water and swimming pool sectors. Among other things, he heads the DIN working group “DIN 19606 – Chlorinators for water treatment”. His aim is to promote efficiency and sustainability in water treatment through innovative approaches while ensuring operational safety.
About Lutz Holding GmbH
The name Lutz Holding GmbH has been synonymous with professional fluid management since 1954. The company group combines a range of world leaders in the field of pump technology and water treatment and disinfection, and is represented by 16 sales offices and production facilities in over 80 countries worldwide. The group includes Lutz Pumpen GmbH in Wertheim, Lutz-Jesco GmbH in Wedemark and Lutz-Jesco Suisse SA in Couvet, Switzerland. Its portfolio includes pumps, systems and accessories with which to perform dosing, conveying, emptying and mixing processes for a range of media. Lutz Group products are used in numerous sectors, including the chemical industry, food industry, automotive production, water and wastewater treatment and the paint and coatings industry.