Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Warns of Legionella's disease scare

Written by Deborah Nicks
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 09:08

One of the latest hotels to open in the Las Vegas Strip, Aria Resort and Casino issued a warning on Thursday of potential new Legionnaires' cases.

One of the latest hotels to open in the Las Vegas Strip, Aria Resort and Casino issued a warning on Thursday of potential new Legionnaires' cases.

The Aria Resort and Casino management are sending letters to guests who stayed at the hotel from June 21 to July 4, 2011, strongly suggesting they should be tested for the legionella bacteria. Letters are signed by Paul Berry, the hotel operations' vice president.

The Southern Nevada Health District said that six cases beginning in the spring of 2010 are connected to the Aria Resort and Casino. There are no fatalities reported, and all six individuals had strong recoveries.

According to a CNN report, water tests performed in that time frame indicated substantial levels of the legionella bacteria in a number of guest rooms at the Aria Resort and Casino. However, no mention of the legionella scare is to be found on the hotel web site.

Not a threat to the vast majority of healthy individuals, Legionella's first known outbreak claimed 34 deaths. The bacteria's name, Legionella, derive from the victims of the first ever reported outbreak. The incident affected over 250 U.S. military veterans attending a conference of the American Legion in Philadelphia in 1976.

Incubation of this bacteria infection may take up to two weeks. Most common symptoms are high fever, chills, and cough. Other common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. Pneumonia typically affects the elderly and individuals with immune deficiency.

Part of MGM Resorts International, the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas first open in 2009.

"We're working to replace fear and anxiety with facts and information," said Gordon Absher, vice president of public affairs for MGM Resorts International.