Legionnaires’ disease investigation begins at resort on Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Officials with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) say an investigation has been launched into two cases of Legionnaires’ disease at a resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

The announcement of the investigation came after the discovery of two travel-related cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests staying at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. One person stayed at the resort in December 2023, while the other was there in June 2024.

After the cases were discovered, health officials took water samples from the resort. In the first case, the samples were negative for Legionella. However, in July, after the second case was discovered, samples were taken from the Palace Tower at Caesars Palace. One of the 19 samples was positive. The rest were negative.

“The facility is cooperating with the health department’s investigation and steps are being taken to inform guests about the potential risk of infection and to find ways to minimize risk,” the SNHD press release states.

Legionnaires’ disease is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella Bacteria. Symptoms begin within two to 10 days of contact with the bacteria, health officials said, adding that people should watch for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches for up to two weeks after contact.

People who are at increased risk of becoming ill include:

• People aged 50 and over
• Current or former smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• People taking medications that can weaken their immune system (after a transplant or chemotherapy)
• People with underlying diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver failure

“Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace before July 11, 2024 and did not develop symptoms are not at risk of illness,” the press release states. Anyone who stayed at Caesars Palace between July 11 and 24 and shows symptoms up to 14 days after their stay will be asked to report their illness in a health department survey.

“If guests are still experiencing symptoms at this time, they should seek medical attention and alert their doctor to the possible infection,” health district officials said.