Eagle County public health officials are investigating three cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch between July and December 2025. The Eagle County Public Health and Environment (ECPHE) Department confirmed that all affected individuals were out-of-town visitors, and there were no fatalities associated with the outbreak, which is caused by the Legionella bacteria.
In collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), local health officials are taking measures to mitigate any ongoing risk to guests, visitors, and employees. An official statement from the county reassured the public that there is “no risk to the broader community.”
As part of their response, all hot tubs, spas, and water features at the resort were temporarily closed after the detection of Legionella through routine sampling. Health officials have since confirmed that these facilities have reopened following remediation and additional testing, which found no traces of the bacteria.
Heath Harmon, director of the ECPHE, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in public health. He stated, “Public health is a team effort, and protecting our community requires strong collaboration.” Harmon highlighted the critical role played by the ECPHE, the CDPHE, and the management at the Ritz-Carlton in swiftly addressing the outbreak.
Despite inquiries, officials from the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch did not respond to requests for comment by the deadline. However, health officials noted that the resort management undertook internal notifications for both guests and staff.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that cannot be transmitted from person to person. Instead, individuals contract the illness by inhaling mist containing the bacteria from water systems, including hot tubs and decorative fountains. Claire Noble, a spokesperson for Eagle County, explained, “Most people, even if they’re exposed to Legionella, won’t get sick. It’s vulnerable populations that will get sick.”
Guests at the hotel first alerted the media to the outbreak, raising questions about the timing of public health notifications. Noble clarified that the health department prioritized communication with those most at risk. “Public health’s focus is on whoever is immediately at risk,” she stated. “And so, for them, it was staff and guests. That’s where the messaging went initially, to staff and guests.”
For individuals who become ill with Legionnaires’ disease, prompt medical care and antibiotics are effective treatments. For further information on risks, exposure, and illness, health officials recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
This investigation continues as officials work to ensure the safety of all guests at the Ritz-Carlton and the surrounding community.
