Las Vegas: Aria Resort linked to Legionnaires’ disease

The Aria Resort & Casino in the tony CityCenter of Las Vegas is advising recent guests about possible exposure to Legionnaires’ disease during their stay, according to a letter posted on the hotel-casino’s website.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that six cases of the bacteria-spread pneumonia traced to the Las Vegas hotel have been reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

The patients were successfully treated and have fully recovered, said Stephanie Bethel of the Southern Nevada Heath District, which was notified of the cases by the CDC.

Aria’s letter tells guests who stayed from June 21 to July 4 that they may have been exposed to the Legionella bacteria, which spreads the disease. The hotel says water tests detected “elevated levels” of the bacteria in several guest rooms” -- a problem it says has been remedied.

The Aria advises any guests concerned about the outbreak to call (877) 326-2742.

The CDC lists initial symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which can be fatal, as high fever, chills, fatigue and a cough that begins two to 14 days after exposure.

In an email, Bethel of the health district said:

“To become infected, you must inhale aerosolized water (mist). For example, if the water system has Legionella, you could be exposed by taking a long shower or using ‘bubblemakers’ or whirlpool jets in a bath tub. ... It’s important to know that most people who are exposed will not get sick, but people who have weak immune systems, people who smoke, people who are older are more at risk of illness.”

The bacteria got its name in 1976, when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak, the CDC says.