Posted on: July 26, 2024, 11:00h.
Last updated on: July 26, 2024, 11:45h.
Two separate cases of Legionnaire’s disease are being investigated in hotel guests shortly after they stayed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. One occurred in December 2023, the other in June 2024.
All water samples taken after the first case tested negative for the Legionella bacteria, according to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Of 19 samples taken at various points in the water system after the second case, one tested positive in the property’s Palace Tower.
In a press release, the SNHD stated that it conducted remediation of the water system and subsequent testing has come back negative. It also stated that Caesars Entertainment, which operates Caesars Palace, is fully cooperating with the investigation. It is notifying all guests who stayed in the tower of their potential for exposure and ways to minimize their risk.
If exposed to Legionnaires’ disease, symptoms usually begin within two to 10 days. They include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace from July 11-24, 2024, and who experienced any of these symptoms up to 14 days after their stay, can report their illness to the Health District using a survey posted here.
If guests are currently still symptomatic, the SNHD said they should seek medical attention and alert their medical provider of their potential exposure.
Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace before July 11, 2024, and have not developed symptoms, are not at risk for disease.
You are at increased risk of contracting Legionnaire’s disease if you:
- are 50 years or older
- are a current or former smoker
- have a chronic lung disease
- have a weakened immune systems
- take drugs that can weaken your immune systems (such as after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
- have an underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
Last August, the SNHD investigated three cases of Legionnaires’ disease — one in a guest at the Orleans and two in guests at Caesars Palace. Water samples taken from both properties tested positive for Legionella and both water systems were remediated.
Anyone with additional questions can contact the Health District’s Helpline at (702) 759-4636 (INFO), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on Legionnaire’s disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.