Legionnaire's disease contracted at Rio Hotel in Las Vegas

The Southern Nevada Health District confirmed in an announcement on Friday that two guests who stayed on two separate occasions at the rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in March and April contracted the airborne Legionnaire's disease.

Caesars Entertainment responds to reports of Legionnaire's disease at the Rio

After initial reports from the SN Health District, the Rio Hotel conducted environmental testing of its water system and results confirmed the presence of the Legionella bacteria throughout the system. The hotel initiated chlorine disinfection of the water system and are working closely with the SN Health District to conduct remediation with continued water sampling to ensure the safety of the water system.

Officials said that the Rio Hotel are actively disinfecting affected rooms and water system with chlorine at very high temperatures. The disinfection process will include all rooms in one Rio tower but declined to specify which one. Caesars Entertainment, owners of the Rio Hotel, released an official statement on Friday saying that they are working closely with the SD Health District and taking necessary action to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of their guests.

What should we know about Legionnaire's disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia which is spread through the air and contracted when contaminated water droplets of the bacteria are inhaled. The Legionella bacteria occurs naturally and is found in showers, air conditioning systems, cooling towers, decorative fountains, and misters.

Most healthy individuals who come in contact with the bacteria do not contract the disease. However, those with autoimmune deficiencies or weakened immune systems, smokers/ex-smokers, those with lung disease or any other diseases such as diabetes, kidney or liver failure, the elderly, and young children are vulnerable to Legionnaire's disease, which can make them extremely ill and in some cases be life threatening.

The pneumonia-like symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, shortness of breath, and cough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most patients recover with antibiotic treatment -- with a 10% rate of death due to complications.

Health District advises Rio Hotel guests to watch for symptoms

The SD Health District says that guests of the Rio Hotel should watch for symptoms approximately two weeks after exposure.

If guests develop symptoms within 14 days of their stay, they are advised to seek medical help immediately. Guests who stayed more than two weeks ago and have not developed any symptoms are not considered at risk.