Which of the following diseases is most likely to be acquired from a hot tub or whirlpool?

Which of the following diseases is most likely to be acquired from a hot tub or whirlpool?

• A. Q fever
• B. Erysipelas
• C. Acinetobacter cellulitis
• D. Pseudomonas dermatitis

Answer: (D)

The situation tests understanding of infections tied to warm, moist environments like hot tubs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in inadequately disinfected, warm water, so exposure to a hot tub or whirlpool can lead to hot tub dermatitis, also called hot tub folliculitis. It presents as a pruritic papulopustular rash that appears about 24–48 hours after soaking. The illness is usually self-limited and resolves with supportive care; avoiding hot tubs until it clears and ensuring proper disinfection reduces risk. Why the other options don’t fit here: Q fever comes from Coxiella burnetii—an aerosol exposure linked to livestock, not water exposure. Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, presenting as a sharply demarcated, fiery red area often on the face or legs, not related to hot-tub exposure. Acinetobacter cellulitis tends to occur in hospital or wound settings and isn’t classically associated with hot tubs.

The situation tests understanding of infections tied to warm, moist environments like hot tubs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in inadequately disinfected, warm water, so exposure to a hot tub or whirlpool can lead to hot tub dermatitis, also called hot tub folliculitis. It presents as a pruritic papulopustular rash that appears about 24–48 hours after soaking. The illness is usually self-limited and resolves with supportive care; avoiding hot tubs until it clears and ensuring proper disinfection reduces risk.

Why the other options don’t fit here: Q fever comes from Coxiella burnetii—an aerosol exposure linked to livestock, not water exposure. Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, presenting as a sharply demarcated, fiery red area often on the face or legs, not related to hot-tub exposure. Acinetobacter cellulitis tends to occur in hospital or wound settings and isn’t classically associated with hot tubs.