Two cases of Legionnaire’s disease are currently being investigated at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The first case occurred in December 2023, followed by another case in June 2024. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reported that all water samples taken after the first case tested negative for the Legionella bacteria. However, out of 19 samples taken after the second case, one tested positive in the Palace Tower water system.
In response to the findings, the SNHD conducted remediation of the water system and subsequent testing confirmed that the water is now safe. Caesars Entertainment, the operator of Caesars Palace, is fully cooperating with the investigation. The hotel is taking proactive measures by notifying guests who stayed in the tower about their potential exposure and providing them with ways to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear within two to 10 days of exposure and include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace from July 11-24, 2024, and are experiencing any of these symptoms within 14 days of their stay are encouraged to report their illness to the Health District using a provided survey. Those still symptomatic should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about their potential exposure.
Individuals at higher risk of contracting Legionnaire’s disease include those who are 50 years or older, current or former smokers, have chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, take immunosuppressive drugs, or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure.
Last August, the SNHD investigated three cases of Legionnaires’ disease, one at the Orleans and two at Caesars Palace. Water samples from both locations tested positive for Legionella, and remediation efforts were successful in eliminating the bacteria from the water systems.
For more information or questions regarding Legionnaires’ disease, individuals can contact the Health District’s Helpline at (702) 759-4636 (INFO) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional resources can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your health and well-being.
