Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 | 2:58 p.m.
The Southern Nevada Health District says it is investigating three cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported after people stayed at Las Vegas resorts.
The Health District did not release any details about the patients or their conditions. Two cases involved people who stayed at Caesars Palace and one who stayed at the Orleans.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is contracted by inhaling aerosol droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
Sources of the aerosol can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters and decorative fountains.
Testing of the water system at the Orleans came back positive for Legionella bacteria, health officials said. The most recent environmental tests at Caesars Palace detected no presence of the bacteria, officials said.
Caesars Palace is cooperating with the Health District investigation, notifying guests of the potential for exposure and conducting remediation of its water system, officials said.
The Orleans is also cooperating with the district, and remediation procedures and environmental testing are underway, officials said.
Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace from Aug. 1 to 23 and experienced symptoms within 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the Health District via its website, health officials said.
Those who have stayed at the Orleans since Aug. 1 and developed symptoms can also file a report, officials said.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar to other types of pneumonia. They can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches, officials said. The disease is treated with antibiotics, officials said.
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but the illness can be severe and sometimes fatal, officials said.
People who are 50 or older, smokers and those with lung disease, cancer or other underlying conditions are at higher risk of getting sick, officials said.
The disease does not typically spread from person to person, officials said.
Symptoms usually begin within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. But people should watch for symptoms for about two weeks after exposure, officials said.
Those who develop symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and inform their health care provider of a potential exposure to Legionella, officials said.
Previously, two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported by people who stayed at the Orleans in December 2022 and in January.
Testing of the resort water system in March indicated the presence of Legionella bacteria, officials said. Samples taken post-remediation did not detect it.
