Starwood Hotels and Resorts is investigating a possible outbreak of Legionnaires disease at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi after three people contracted the disease following a stay at the property.
One of the guests, BBC radio commentator Bill Frindall, 69, passed away as a result of contracting Legionnaires, while two others were reportedly diagnosed with the potentially-fatal disease.
As Hotelier Middle East went to press, it had not been confirmed whether the guests actually contracted the disease at the hotel or elsewhere.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires can be found in natural water sources such as lakes and rivers, but also on occasion in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas and also in air-conditioning units.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Starwood said the company was “continuing to conduct a thorough investigation with independent assessors, including leading European and US based experts, to investigate whether legionella is present in the hotel”.
| Advertisement |
The investigation was being conducted in co-operation with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Health Authorities.
“No evidence of legionella has been found to date at the hotel based on initial testing by an independent accredited laboratory and the hotel’s systematic and regular audits,” the spokesperson said.
“Although recent monitoring and testing has not revealed the presence of legionella at the property, hotel management is continuing to monitor the situation and has begun contacting guests and associates to advise them of the circumstances.
The ongoing monitoring is intended to insure that the hotel satisfies all requirements regarding the health, safety and welfare of hotel guests and associates.”
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
