Las Vegas: Officials investigate Legionnaires’ disease cases linked to Caesars Hotel and Casino

Health officials in Nevada report investigating two travel-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. On two occasions during the last six months, individuals were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease shortly after a stay at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. One individual stayed during December 2023; the other individual stayed during June 2024.

Image/CDC

Water sampling was conducted after learning of each case. Water sampling after the first case was conducted and all samples tested negative for Legionella. Water sampling from the property’s Palace Tower was conducted this month after learning of the second case. Nineteen initial samples were taken at various points in the water system. One sample tested positive for Legionella; all other samples tested negative. The facility conducted remediation of the water system and subsequent testing has come back negative. The facility is cooperating with the Health District’s investigation and steps to notify guests of the potential for exposure and ways to minimize risk are underway.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease will usually begin within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, people should watch for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches for up to two weeks after exposure. Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace prior to July 11, 2024, and have not developed symptoms are not at risk for disease.

Guests whose stay at Caesars Palace included time from July 11, 2024 to July 24, 2024 and who 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/s3/7913781/24-036-Investigation-Survey-Caesars-Palace.  If guests are currently still symptomatic, they should seek medical attention and alert their medical provider of the potential exposure.

People who are at increased risk of getting sick include:

• People 50 years or older

  • Current or former smokers

  • People with chronic lung disease

  • People with weakened immune systems

  • People who take drugs that can weaken their immune systems (after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)

  • People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure