The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is investigating two reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionella) in individuals who stayed separately at the Orleans Hotel and Casino between December 2022 and January 2023.
The hotel is participating in the survey and taking steps to notify current and former guests starting December 16, 2022.
Guests who stayed at the hotel during this time and experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness to the health district through a survey posted on their website.
In response to early reports of illness, SNHD conducted an environmental survey of the facility, including water sampling, and the results revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria. To prevent more people from getting sick, the hotel has started implementing remediation procedures and a proactive water management plan.
Throughout the sanitization process, the health district will monitor additional water samples from the hotel water system to determine if Legionella is present and ensure sanitization efforts are effective.
HOW IS THIS DISEASE SPREAD?
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling aerosol droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria. Aerosol sources can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains.
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick; however, the disease can be severe and sometimes lead to death. Legionnaires’ disease is not usually transmitted from person to person.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to those of other types of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics.