St. Croix, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The VI Department of Health is correcting a news release issued earlier today that stated Hotel on the Cay utilized solely cistern water and not potable water.
VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion contacted Chris Pardo, owner of the Hotel on the Cay, following the release. “On the contrary, Mr. Pardo validated that the hotel has been and currently utilizes 100% potable water,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “The VI Department of Health apologizes for the error.”
Importantly, the tests conducted by the department’s Epidemiology Division validated that the potable water in the cistern showed no evidence of legionella contamination.
The Epidemiology Division found that the cases of Legionnaire’s disease are directly linked to the freshwater systems within the affected hotel rooms. The testing identified Legionella in the showerhead, kitchen sink, and/or bathroom sinks in those rooms.
Legionella is most commonly contracted while showering, as the bacteria can be in the mist from the showerhead and enter an individual’s lungs, eyes, or mouth.
On Friday, the department issued an order halting operations at the Hotel on the Cay after two of its guests tested positive for Legionnaire’s disease.
Commissioner Encarnacion acknowledged the hotel’s cooperation in addressing the issue, noting their collaboration in preventing further cases. Extensive plumbing replacements and decontamination efforts were completed over the last few days.
The VI Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available