If you stayed at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas at any time between June 21 to July 4, 2011, you may have been exposed to a high level of the legionella bacteria, known to cause a form of pneumonia.
The hotel operations vice president, Paul Berry, issued a letter to former guests, informing them that six guests became infected with Legionaires’ disease, possibly the result of bacteria contaminated shower water. They have all since recovered.
After the first reported case, the Las Vegas Health Department contacted the Aria and initiated an inspection of their water system. According to Berry: “The most recent tests indicate the bacteria is not present in any detectable way, but tests will continue.”
The usual symptoms of the disease, that can show up between 2 and 14 days after exposure, include fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches. The letter to a select group of customers, within that two week time period, advised them to seek medical attention if they experienced any of these telltale signs.
The Aria complex, an $8.5 billion CityCenter development which includes 4,000 rooms, 568 suites, condominiums and a shopping center, was completed in 2009. It is 50-50 owned by MGM Resorts and Dubai World, the investment arm of the Persian Gulf emirate.
Photo: WENN