Friday, March 3, 2023 | 2:41 p.m.
The Southern Nevada Health District said it is investigating two separate cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported after guests stayed at the Orleans in December and January.
The Health District did not release any further information about the guests or their conditions.
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 off-Strip resort on Tropicana Avenue indicated the presence of Legionella bacteria, officials said.
The resort is implementing remediation procedures and a water management plan, officials said. The Health District will monitor additional water sampling to determine if the bacteria is present and ensure disinfection efforts are effective, officials said.
The hotel is assisting in the investigation and taking steps to notify guests dating back to Dec. 16, 2022, officials said.
Guests who stayed at the Orleans during this timeframe and experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the Health District via its website, officials said.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar to other types of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches, officials said. It is treated with antibiotics, officials said.
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but the illness can be severe and sometimes results in death, 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.
People who stayed at the Orleans more than two weeks ago and have not developed symptoms are not at risk, officials said.
Those who develop symptoms within 14 days of their stay should seek medical attention immediately and inform their health care provider of a potential exposure to Legionella, officials said.
