Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered at Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered at Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Investigations are underway into two distinct cases of Legionnaire's disease that occurred in hotel visitors soon after their stay at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. December 2023 saw one, while June 2024 saw the other.

The Legionella bacteria was not found in any of the water samples collected following the initial case, as reported by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). One sample from the Palace Tower on the site proved positive out of 19 that were taken at different locations in the water system following the second instance.

The SNHD said in a press release that it remedied the water system and that further testing produced negative results. Additionally, it said that Caesars Entertainment, the company that runs Caesars Palace, is assisting the inquiry in every way. All visitors who stayed in the tower are being informed about their potential for exposure and how to reduce that risk.

The symptoms of legionnaires' illness often appear two to ten days after exposure. These include of headaches, aches in the muscles, fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The SNHD advised guests to seek medical attention and notify their healthcare practitioner of their possible exposure if they are still experiencing symptoms.

Visitors who visited Caesars Palace before to July 11, 2024, and have not experienced any symptoms, are not susceptible to contracting any illness.

Legionnaire's disease is more likely to strike you 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

Three cases of Legionnaires' disease were looked into by the SNHD in August of last year; one involved a guest at the Orleans and two were guests at Caesars Palace. Legionella was found in water samples obtained from both properties, and both water systems underwent remediation.

The Health District Helpline can be reached at (702) 759-4636 (INFO), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if you have any more questions. Go to the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional details about Legionnaire's disease.