Last week, the Guest House at Graceland hotel on Elvis Presley Boulevard shut down its pool area after three individuals were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. Now, that number has risen to five cases of Legionnaires’ disease believed to be associated with the hotel. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria which is found in water. While many individuals who are exposed to the bacteria do not become ill, those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience Legionella-related illness. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease resemble that of pneumonia, and can include lethargy, fever, shortness of breath,…
Two separate cases of Legionnaires’ disease among guests of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino sparked an investigation of the hotel by the Southern Nevada Health District. The guests stayed at the hotel at different times in March and April of 2017. A water sample taken by health officials from the hotel’s water system after the two cases were reported showed presence of Legionella bacteria. The district’s environmental health supervisor, Mark Bergtholdt, reportedly stated that large buildings- such as the Rio hotel- would be common homes to Legionella bacteria due to the complex plumbing systems, in which water may lay stagnant for long periods…
Four cases of Legionnaires’ disease among members of two different LA fitness clubs in Orange County, Florida has sparked the investigation of the gyms as the possible source of the bacteria. The spas and showers of both the facility on Kirkman Road in Orange County and the Orange Blossom Trail location in Hunter’s Creek were shut down pending the investigation, and notices were issued to club members last week about the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. Health officials upon inspection found conditions that would be favorable for the growth of Legionella at the fitness centers. Reportedly, the showers and spas were…