For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health threat that may be awaiting travelers at even seemingly well-maintained hotels.
Legionnaires’ Disease, a waterborne illness caused by the Legionella bacteria, could be lurking in any hotel’s water system.
The bacteria was recently detected in a couple of Las Vegas resorts.
According to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), two off-strip Las Vegas hotels, the South Point Hotel and the Grandview, both reported Legionella bacteria in their water systems.
At least two guests came down with the disease after visiting the hotels this spring. The guests have since recovered, but the hotels and the health district are asking other guests who may have contracted the disease to complete a confidential survey.
Guests who stayed at South Point on or after April 16, 2025, or Grandview on or after March 27, 2025, are being contacted directly. Anyone who developed symptoms within 14 days of their stay should take part in the SNHD survey and consult a healthcare provider.
Although the resorts’ pools or hot tub were not mentioned explicitly, the outbreaks at South Point and Grandview serve as a warning to travelers about hidden health risks in apparently wellmaintained hotels. Travelers should be aware that Legionella bacteria thrives in warm water systems, including hot tubs, showers, and fountains.
Hot tubs and spas are common hosts for the Legionella bacteria, which can flourish within plumbing, even if it is killed in properly sanitized water.
Legionella bacteria is easily killed in water by sanitizers such as chlorine, but it can continue to survive in a dense network of biofilm, where it is protected from chlorine by a scummy plaque that adheres to the inner walls of plumbing systems.
It is one of the reasons that it is essential that public recreational water must be monitored for consistent disinfectant levels.
The disease is contracted by inhaling aerosolized droplets of contaminated water.
Legionnaires Disease can be a serious health risk for people:
• 50 and older.
• Smokers (current or former).
• with chronic lung conditions.
• with weakened immune systems.
• who are undergoing chemotherapy.
• who have had organ transplants.
• who have diabetes, kidney or liver disease. Travelers with underlying health issues or those in high-risk groups can:
• Avoid hot tubs and spas in older or lower-rated properties.
•Request information on hotel water safety protocols.
• Monitoring for symptoms after returning home.
Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, and headache. Some people may also experience diarrhea, nausea, or confusion. Older people, smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and weakened immune systems are at higher risk for more complications, and can be fatal.
