Officials with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) are investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease at Wynn Las Vegas.
Both cases involved guests at the hotel, with one person contracting the disease in September and another in February, according to local media. Both have since recovered, but SNHD reported multiple samples tested positive for the Legionella bacteria, which can lead to the disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. The bacteria generally grow in warm water systems. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms often can be detected within two weeks of exposure and include a high fever of up to 104 degrees, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, headaches, and sometimes diarrhea or confusion.
The Wynn has reportedly begun remediation measures on the casino’s water system. SNHD officials said the most recent samples collected on site have shown no detectable bacteria levels. Ongoing testing of the water system is planned.
Guests Alerted To Possible Contact
The Wynn has notified former guests that they could have possibly been exposed to the disease. Guests who stayed at the hotel after Sept. 1 are being offered a free confidential illness survey as part of the property’s efforts to remedy the situation.
The survey also helps SNHD assess the possible spread of the disease.
Those over 50 are at particular risk, along with people that have weakened immune systems, smokers, and those already suffering a serious illness or lung disease.
Similar Issue At Rio In 2017
The Vegas Strip casino holds major poker tournament series throughout the year. The property’s annual Wynn Summer Classic kicks off May 20. The property also hosts the World Poker Tour World Championship each December.
The Rio faced a similar issue in 2017. Two guests were reported to have also contracted Legionnaire’s disease at the former home of the World Series of Poker. The SNHD also investigated the cases and the property underwent remediation.
The casino industry has a history with illnesses. Three-time WSOP bracelet winner Upeshka De Silva was disqualified from the final table of the 2020 main event after testing positive for COVID-19.
In 2023, longtime poker pro Mike Matusow told Card Player about his own issues in dealing with a spinal injury that caused him debilitating pain while playing.
