A 57-year-old woman from Hull remains in intensive care at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion after contracting Legionnaires' disease whilst on an all-inclusive holiday in Crete. The woman has been hospitalised since June 11.
The hotel where she stayed is cooperating with local health authorities as they investigate the case.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has issued an emergency alert following confirmation of the infection.
The incident has prompted fresh warnings for British holidaymakers about the risks of Legionnaires' disease at overseas destinations, particularly as the summer holiday season reaches its peak.
Travel-associated Legionella cases across the EU/EEA reached 895 in 2021, marking a 38 per cent increase from the previous year.
This surge highlights mounting public health concerns as international travel recovers and climate conditions increasingly favour bacterial growth.
The Hull woman's case is not isolated, with multiple reports of Legionella outbreaks at hotels abroad and on cruise ships in recent years.
Greg Rankin, CEO of Legionella authority Hydrohawk, said: "Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case - there have been multiple reports of Legionella outbreaks in hotels abroad and on cruise ships in recent years and the tragic part is, many of these could have been prevented with earlier detection, faster diagnosis, and prompt action."
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection
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Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria flourish in man-made water systems, including taps, showers, air conditioning units, pools and hot tubs.
Whilst Legionella can exist year-round, the bacteria multiply most rapidly in water temperatures between 20C and 45C.
Summer months present heightened risk, particularly when combined with stagnant water in underused systems such as spa pools and holiday accommodation facilities.
Rankin noted: "Of course, the responsibility lies with hotel and resort operators to maintain proper water management and testing protocols.
"However, we would urge British travellers to exercise caution when using holiday accommodation, particularly in countries where water safety legislation may not be as robust as it is in the UK."
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Legionnaires' disease can cause shortness of breath
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Rapid testing solutions are now available for travellers seeking reassurance about water safety at their holiday destinations. Hydrohawk offers Legionella testing kits that provide accurate results within 25 minutes.
"Going on holiday should be a time to relax and enjoy, not worry about hidden health risks," Rankin said.
"Though it may not be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to packing for the summer getaway, taking simple precautions against Legionella by investing in a rapid testing kit could make all the difference.
"For added peace of mind, a simple, rapid Legionella testing kit can offer reassurance and help ensure a safer stay."
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