Las Vegas: Legionnaires’ disease cases investigated, Linked to The Orleans Hotel & Casino
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the Southern Nevada Health District Investigates two cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in guests who stayed separately at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, in December 2022 and January 2023.
The hotel is assisting with the investigation and is taking steps to notify current and former guests as far back as December 16, 2022. Guests who stayed at The Orleans Hotel during this time frame and experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay may report their illness to the Health District using a survey posted at His website at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7242768/23-008.
In response to initial reports of illness, the health district conducted an environmental study of the facility, including water sampling and arranged for the facility to conduct additional environmental testing of its water system. The facility’s test results did not indicate the presence legionella bacteria. To help prevent more people from becoming ill, the hotel has begun implementing treatment procedures and a proactive water management plan.
During the treatment process, the health district will monitor additional water sampling of the hotel’s water system to determine whether legionella exist and to ensure the effectiveness of the clean-up efforts.
Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted by inhaling water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. Aerosol sources can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. Most healthy people are exposed to legionella don’t get sick; However, the disease can be severe and sometimes lead to death. In general, Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person to person.
Symptoms usually begin within 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, people should monitor symptoms for about two weeks after exposure. Guests who have stayed at The Orleans Hotel & Casino more than two weeks ago and have not shown any symptoms are not at risk of contracting the disease. If property guests develop symptoms within 14 days of their stay, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform your healthcare provider of your possible exposure to Legionella bacteria.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to other types of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headache. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics.
There are factors that can put people at increased risk of developing the disease: being 50 years of age or older; being a current or former smoker; having a chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema); a weak immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system (such as after a transplant or chemotherapy); Having cancer, diabetes or kidney failure. or other underlying disease.
