Investigation into Legionnaires’ disease in Las Vegas casino and hotel underway

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (FOX5) – The Southern Nevada Health District said it is investigating two travel-related cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino.

The health department said that in the past six months, two people were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease shortly after staying at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino.

One person was there in December 2023 and another in June 2024. According to the CDC, the disease is a “severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella.”

After the first case, water samples were taken and all samples tested positive for Legionella, the health department said.

In July, after the second case was reported, a water sample was taken from the Palace Tower of the property. Initially, 19 samples were taken from various points in the water system. One sample was positive for Legionella, all other samples were negative..

The facility carried out a rehabilitation of the water system and subsequent tests were negative.

The health department said the property is cooperating with the investigation and is taking steps to notify guests.

“Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear within two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria,” SNHD said. “However, people should monitor for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches for up to two weeks after exposure. Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace before July 11, 2024 and did not develop symptoms are not at risk of developing illness.”

A survey is available for people who believe they have symptoms.

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