Norovirus suspected in Flamingo cases

Eric Leake

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004 | 11:22 a.m.

A norovirus is suspected to be responsible for a outbreak of a flu-like illness at the Flamingo Las Vegas, Clark County Health District officials say.

Jennifer Sizemore, spokeswoman for the district, said that they are waiting on results of tests that they suspect will verify that a norovirus is what caused employees and guests of the hotel to get sick.

About 200 people reported norovirus symptoms -- including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea -- since last week, said Robert Stewart, a spokesman for Caesars Entertainment, which owns the property.

Stewart said the daily frequency of such reports is dramatically decreasing, with fewer than 10 this morning.

"We're working very hard with the health department to do everything we can to make sure we continue to see a decline in the number of reported incidences," Stewart said. "We think what we're doing is working."

Sizemore said she has not heard of additional outbreaks at any other hotels in the valley.

The source of the suspected virus has not been -- and may never be -- determined.

"Once it's there it can spread very easily, and you'll probably never determine exactly where it was introduced into the property," Sizemore said.

The virus can live on various surfaces, including in hotel rooms and on slot machines, for up to 12 weeks, Dave Tonelli, a spokesman for the health district said.

There is no treatment for the virus, which usually resolves itself within 24 to 48 hours, Tonelli said.

The Flamingo has posted signs notifying people of the cleanup effort and urging them to take care and wash their hands, Stewart said.

The casino and rooms of guests who reported symptoms are being deep cleaned. Food outlets remain open, though some have begun serving drinks in disposable plastic cups to reduce opportunity for spreading the illness.

The efforts are expensive, Stewart said, "But expense isn't the issue here. Ensuring the health and safety of our guests is the issue."

Employees and guests complaining of symptoms are being sent to Harmon Medical Center. The norovirus is commonly called the stomach flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sun reporter

Stephen Curran contributed to this story.