June 13, 2017 — Two people were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after separate stays at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in March and April 2017.
Health officials ordered tests on the hotel’s water system after the first case was reported. The tests were positive for traces of Legionella, according to the Southern Nevada Health District and Caesars Entertainment.
The district’s Environmental Health Supervisor Mark Bergtholdt said the hotel started using chlorine at high temperatures to disinfect the building’s water supply and rooms on Thursday, June 8, 2017.
The hotel is currently in the process of notifying past and current guests who may have been exposed. Healthy adults have a low risk, but infections can lead to pneumonia and 10% of cases are fatal.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection that is caused by Legionella, a water-borne bacteria. Outbreaks typically occur in buildings with complex water systems, air conditioning, or cooling systems, such as hotels, casinos, apartment complexes, or hospitals.
Infections occur when people breathe tiny droplets of water (mist or vapor) containing the Legionnella bacteria. This can occur in a shower, hot tub, swimming pool, or decorative fountain, for example.
There have been previous outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Las Vegas. In June and July 2011, six guests at the Aria Resort and Casino were infected with Legionella. That same year, 3 people were infected after staying at The Luxor, including one who died.
Do I have a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Legionnaires’ disease induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Legionella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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