Las Vegas Hotel Guests Test Positive For Legionnaires’ Disease: Health District

A culture of the Legionella pneumophila bacteria at the UZ Gent hospital in Belgium, on May 17, 2019. Nicholas Maeterlinck/AFP via Getty Images

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) said on Aug. 24 that it was investigating cases of Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia—among guests who stayed in two Las Vegas hotels between Aug. 1 and Aug. 23.

Two guests who stayed at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino and one guest who stayed at The Orleans Hotel and Casino had been diagnosed with the disease, the health district stated in two separate releases.

Legionnaires’ disease stems from Legionella bacteria, which can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Infection could occur through the inhalation of tiny water droplets containing Legionella. These droplets could come from showers, faucets, whirlpools, or even the water systems of large buildings.

The SNHD stated that environmental samples collected from the two hotels tested positive for Legionella. Both facilities cooperated with the SNHD’s investigation and conducted remediation of their water system.

“The most recent environmental testing did not detect Legionella bacteria. Steps to notify guests of the potential for exposure and ways to minimize risk are underway,” the health district said in its statement.

The SNHD said guests who stayed at the hotels from Aug. 1 and “experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the Health District.” They are urged to seek medical attention.

“Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease will usually begin within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, people should watch for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches for up to two weeks after exposure,” it stated.

Legionnaires’ disease can lead to life-threatening complications like respiratory failure, septic shock, and acute kidney failure. If left untreated, Legionnaires’ disease can result in fatalities, according to Mayo Clinic.

Individuals over 50 years old, smokers, people with chronic lung disease or other serious medical conditions, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of getting sick after contracting the disease.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be a problem in hospitals and nursing homes, where germs can spread easily, and people are vulnerable to infection,” it stated.

Illegal Immigrants Evacuated After Legionella Detected

Earlier this month, a group of illegal immigrants were evacuated from the Bibby Stockholm barge, at the port of Portland on the south coast, after the Legionella bacteria was discovered in the water supply.

Tug boat Mercia pulls the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge into Portland in Dorset, on July 18, 2023. Ben Birchall/PA Media

The Home Office said it was removing all 39 asylum seekers who were on board the vessel as a “precautionary measure.” None of those on board had fallen sick or developed Legionnaires’ disease, and all were being provided with “appropriate advice and support,” it stated.

In its statement, the Home Office said that environmental samples from the water system on the Bibby Stockholm “have shown levels of Legionella bacteria which require further investigation.”

“The samples taken relate only to the water system on the vessel itself and therefore carry no direct risk indication for the wider community of Portland nor do they relate to fresh water entering the vessel. Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person,” it added.

Chris Summers contributed to this report.