Las Vegas hotel guests contract Legionnaires’ disease: Health District confirms.

Investigation Underway: Legionnaires’ Disease ⁣Cases Reported in ⁢Las Vegas Hotels

The Southern Nevada Health ⁣District (SNHD) announced on August 24th that it is currently ‌investigating cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, among guests who stayed ⁤in two popular Las Vegas hotels between August 1st and August 23rd.

According to the SNHD, two guests who stayed at Caesars Palace Hotel and⁢ Casino, as well ⁤as one guest who stayed at The​ Orleans Hotel and Casino, have been diagnosed with the⁣ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria and can lead to symptoms such as‍ fever, cough, ‍shortness of breath, ‍muscle aches, and headaches, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The infection can occur when individuals inhale tiny water droplets containing Legionella. These droplets can originate from showers, faucets, whirlpools, ‍or even the water systems of large buildings.

The SNHD confirmed that environmental samples collected from both‌ hotels ‌have tested positive for Legionella. Both establishments have cooperated with the SNHD’s investigation and have taken steps to remediate ‍their water systems.

“The most recent environmental testing did not detect Legionella bacteria.‌ We‌ are⁤ currently in​ the process of notifying guests about the potential exposure and providing them with guidance on minimizing the risk,” stated the health district.

Guests who stayed at the hotels between August 1st⁣ and experienced symptoms within 14 days after their stay are urged to report their illness to the ​Health District and seek medical⁣ attention. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear within two to 10 days after exposure and may include cough, shortness ⁣of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.

It is important to note ⁣that Legionnaires’ disease can lead to life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, septic shock, ⁤and acute kidney failure. If left untreated, the disease can ‌be fatal, as stated ⁤by Mayo Clinic.

Individuals over 50 years old,⁢ smokers, people with chronic lung disease or other serious medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems ⁣are at⁢ a⁢ higher risk of developing severe symptoms after contracting ‍the disease.

“Legionnaires’ disease can pose a significant risk in hospitals and nursing homes, where the spread of germs is more likely and individuals are more‍ vulnerable to‍ infection,” the SNHD emphasized.

Illegal Immigrants Evacuated After Legionella Detected

In a separate ⁣incident 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 Legionella bacteria was discovered in the water supply.

The Home Office took immediate action and removed all 39 asylum ⁣seekers from the vessel as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, none of the individuals on board had fallen ill or developed Legionnaires’ disease, ‌and ⁢they are being provided ⁣with⁣ appropriate advice and support.

The Home Office stated that further investigation⁣ is required due to the detection of Legionella bacteria⁢ in the water system of the Bibby Stockholm. It is important to note that ​the ‌samples⁢ taken only​ pertain⁤ to the vessel’s water⁢ system and do not pose‌ a direct⁣ risk‌ to individuals.