2 cases of Legionnaires' disease at Caesars Palace under investigation

UPDATE 8:10 p.m. — KTNV obtained a statement from Ceasars Palace.

We are aware that the Southern Nevada Health District is presently investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported by guests who stayed at Caesars Palace. We are fully cooperating with the investigation, and the most recent environmental testing did not detect Legionella bacteria. Caesars Palace maintains a robust safety program to minimize the potential for the Legionella bacteria to survive in the water systems at its property that meet or exceed industry standards. In addition, we immediately took further steps to remediate the presence of any trace amounts of Legionella bacteria relating to the two instances being investigated by the Southern Nevada Health District. We are confident in the integrity of our systems and the safety protocols we rigorously follow.

ORIGINAL STORY:
Two cases of Legionnaires' disease at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino — which happened six months apart — are under investigation by the Southern Nevada Health District.

Both cases happened to people visiting Las Vegas and who stayed at Caesars Palace shortly before contracting the disease. One person stayed in December 2023, the other in June 2024.

Health officials conducted water sampling at the hotel to see if it was contaminated with the disease. All tests came back negative after the first case, but one test from the second case came back positive this month.

"The facility conducted remediation of the water system and subsequent testing has come back negative," SNHD said in a news release. "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 appear within two to 10 days after exposure and include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches.

Those who stayed at the hotel before July 11 and have not developed symptoms are not at risk.

Guests who stayed at Caesars Palace from July 11, 2024, to July 24, 2024, and who experienced symptoms up to 14 days after their stay can report their illness here .

According to SNHD, 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