Hot Tub Related Illnesses

Hot tub use is generally considered safe when the spa is cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines. However, if the water is not changed regularly, and chlorine and pH levels are not carefully monitored, a hot tub can become a breeding ground for infectious diseases. Bursting bubbles created by the hot tub's jets aid in carrying germs to the lungs by means of a fine, aerosol mist.

Dermatitis

• The illness most often connected to hot tub use is dermatitis, an irritating skin infection caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium can also cause ear, eye and urinary tract infections.

Genital Herpes

• The herpes simplex virus can live for several hours on plastic hot tub seats that are not in constant, submerged contact with chlorinated water. Genital herpes can be transmitted via hot tub use as a result.

Legionnaires' Disease

• With symptoms resembling influenza --- fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headache and respiratory distress --- infection by the bacterium Legionellosis can cause Legionnaires' disease, which in turn leads to pneumonia. In its less serious form, called Pontiac fever, the infection has mostly the same symptoms but does not result in pneumonia.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease (NTM)

• This bacterial infection can cause severe pulmonary and respiratory distress, particularly in young children, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.

Cryptosporidiosis

• Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can be found in human and animal feces. If infected with this parasite, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dehydration can result.