FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 3, 2023
LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in guests who stayed separately at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., in December 2022 and January 2023. The hotel is assisting in the investigation and taking steps to notify current and past guests dating back to December 16, 2022. Guests who stayed at The Orleans during this timeframe and experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the Health District using a survey posted on its website at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7242768/23-008.
In response to the initial illness reports, the Health District conducted an environmental study of the facility, including water sampling and the facility arranged for additional environmental testing of its water system. Facility testing results did indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria. To help prevent additional people from becoming sick the hotel has begun implementing remediation procedures and a proactive water management plan.
Throughout the remediation process the Health District will monitor additional water sampling of the hotel’s water system to determine if Legionella are present and to ensure the disinfection efforts are effective.
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling aerosol droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria. Sources of the aerosol can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick; however, the illness can be severe and sometimes result in death. Generally, Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms will usually begin within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, people should watch for symptoms for about two weeks after exposure. Guests who stayed at The Orleans Hotel & Casino more than two weeks ago and have not developed symptoms are not at risk for disease. If guests of the property develop symptoms within 14 days of their stay, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform your health care provider of your potential exposure to Legionella.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are very similar to other types of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics.
There are factors that can put people at an increased risk of getting sick: being age 50 years or older; being a current or former smoker; having a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema); having a weakened immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy); having cancer, diabetes or kidney failure; or other underlying illness.
Anyone with additional questions can contact the Health District’s Helpline at (702) 759-4636 (INFO) or 1-866-767-5038, Sunday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST.
More information on Legionnaire’s disease is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.