Have cases of Legionnaires’ disease been reported to the Southern Nevada Health District?

The Southern Nevada Health District received information from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) about three Luxor Resort guests who were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. Two of the patients have recovered. Unfortunately, the third patient has died.

How did you learn about the cases?

There is a nationwide surveillance system of Legionnaires’ disease. Local, state and federal public health agencies share information about travel history of cases in an effort to identify buildings or venues associated with multiple cases. In this particular instance, the CDC notified the health district about out-of-state cases which occurred in the spring and winter of 2011.

Is the health district going to close the facility down?

It is not necessary to close the facility. The Luxor Resort began an immediate remediation process, much of which has already been completed. Although the bacterium had been identified in the water system, the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease remains low for most people.

Is the Luxor safe? Should I stay there?

The Luxor is remediating the situation and follow up testing of its water systems will continue. We understand that many people are concerned about the safety of the facility and we continue to work with the management to monitor the situation regarding Legionella bacteria.

You should review the risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease and assess whether or not you have one or more of them. If you have questions, it is recommended that you speak with your physician. If you choose to stay at the resort, you can reduce any exposure by taking short showers.

Legionella bacteria exist in fresh water and are commonly found in water systems throughout the country

If it had been determined by the health district that it was unsafe for guests to stay in the hotel it would have resulted in a closure of room or the facility. It is important to remember that risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is low. It is not uncommon for Legionella to be found in larger water systems such as the ones used in hotels and guests can never be assured of zero risk at these types of facilities.

A patient died; does that indicate the outbreak is more severe?

The death of patient is always tragic; however, it is not necessarily an indicator of the severity of the outbreak. Each patient’s individual health outcome is different and it is dependent on his or her body’s ability to fight of the infection and the medical care received. While deaths are not common they do occur in 5 to 30 percent of cases.

What did the health district find during its investigation?

The health district’s investigation has focused on environmental testing and identifying additional people with Legionnaires’ disease. Water samples and swabs of plumbing fixtures taken from several locations in the facility have identified the water system of the hotel as the most likely source of Legionella bacteria.

Why didn’t the health district notify the public when the first cases were reported?

The health district received notification from the CDC in the spring 2011 as part of the CDC’s nationwide surveillance program. The health district followed up with an environmental assessment and collected bulk water samples from the Luxor. Results of the samples did not detect Legionella bacteria and the environmental assessment indicated guests were not at increased risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease at that time.

Legionella bacteria exist in fresh water and are commonly found throughout the environment. Warm water is required for the growth of Legionella. The bacteria can grow in fixtures that are not used often, like wet bar sinks or unused showers. Once a system contains Legionella bacteria, it requires a concentrated effort to remove it.

My friend/relative stayed there. Can I get Legionnaires’ disease from them?

Legionnaires’ disease cannot be passed from person to person.

I stayed there recently. Should I be concerned?

If it has been more than 14 days since you left the Luxor, and you are currently well then there is no need to be concerned at this point in time. If it has been less than 14 days since your stay and you develop a high fever, chills, cough, and fatigue or weakness and/or pneumonia, see your doctor and inform him or her that you may have been exposed to Legionella. Your doctor will order appropriate testing based on your symptoms.

Where can I get more information?

Visit the CDC Legionellosis Resource website, contact your doctor or the Southern Nevada Health District helpline at (702) 759-4636; toll free at (866) 767-5038.