Investigating five incidents of Legionnaires' disease at various hotels in Las Vegas Valley
The Southern Nevada Health District is currently investigating five travel-associated cases of Legionnaires' disease, a severe lung infection. The cases are linked to the South Point Hotel and Casino and The Grandview resort in Las Vegas.
Two cases have been reported at the South Point, with one individual staying at the property in August and another in February. Both have since recovered. At The Grandview, three individuals stayed at the resort over different months. One stayed in February, two in April, and all three have been hospitalized. Two have since recovered, while one remains hospitalized.
Following the identification of cases, the health district conducted environmental water sampling at the facilities. Preliminary results have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires' disease, in the water systems of both hotels.
Guests who stayed at the hotels during specific time frames have been notified about potential exposure and are being encouraged to consult healthcare providers if symptoms develop within 14 days of their stay. The affected individuals are not Nevada residents, which has limited health authorities' access to their ongoing medical information.
Both hotels remain open and operational while fully cooperating with the health district's investigation. The health district is working with both properties to identify the sources or clusters responsible for the cases at The Grandview and South Point.
Legionnaires' disease is typically contracted by inhaling aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the Legionella bacterium. It is particularly dangerous for older adults, smokers, people with chronic lung conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants.
The presence of Legionella bacteria in the water systems of major Las Vegas hotels has raised public health concerns due to the city's reliance on its hospitality industry. Legal experts anticipate potential lawsuits and insurance claims if more illnesses are linked to these outbreaks.
The health district will update its findings and recommendations as the situation develops. Awareness and vigilance are encouraged among guests and healthcare providers alike.
In the investigation of five travel-associated cases of Legionnaires' disease in Las Vegas, both the South Point Hotel and Casino and The Grandview have tested positive for Legionella bacteria, the cause of the severe lung infection. Despite the ongoing medical conditions of those affected, non-residents of Nevada, the public is advised to be aware and vigilant, considering the potential threats posed by casino-and-gambling establishments like these to one's health, particularly for those with medical-conditions or compromised immunity.
