Eagle County health officials are currently investigating three confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, from July to December 2025. All affected individuals were out-of-town visitors, and fortunately, there have been no fatalities linked to the outbreak caused by the Legionella bacteria, which can lead to a severe form of pneumonia.
Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are collaborating with the Eagle County Public Health and Environment (ECPHE) Department to ensure guest safety and eliminate any ongoing risk. According to a press release from the county, “There is no risk to the broader community.”
As part of the response, all hot tubs, spas, and water features at the resort were temporarily closed after the detection of the bacteria through routine sampling. These facilities have since reopened following thorough remediation and subsequent testing, which confirmed the absence of Legionella bacteria.
Heath Harmon, director of the Eagle County Public Health and Environment Department, emphasized the importance of collaboration in public health efforts. In a prepared statement, he noted, “Public health is a team effort, and protecting our community requires strong collaboration. While our teams are often working behind the scenes to fight for clean water and stop the spread of disease, we cannot do it alone.” Harmon highlighted the effective partnership between the ECPHE, the CDPHE, and the leadership at the Ritz-Carlton in addressing the issue promptly.
Despite the investigation, officials from the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch did not respond to requests for comment by the deadline. Health authorities confirmed that the hotel conducted internal notifications for both guests and staff regarding the situation.
Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia, is not transmitted from person to person. Instead, individuals contract it by inhaling mist containing the bacteria from sources like hot tubs or decorative fountains. “Most people, even if they’re exposed to Legionella, won’t get sick. It’s vulnerable populations that will get sick,” explained Claire Noble, a spokesperson for Eagle County.
Guests at the hotel initially raised concerns about the outbreak, bringing it to the attention of local media. When questioned about the timing of public health notifications, particularly since the first case was identified in July, Noble reiterated that there was no immediate danger to the wider community. “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.”
For individuals who may fall ill with Legionnaires’ disease, prompt medical care and antibiotics are effective treatments. Health officials recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about the risks, exposures, and symptoms associated with the illness.
As the investigation continues, health officials remain vigilant in their efforts to protect public health and ensure the safety of all individuals visiting the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
