Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Reported at Las Vegas Resort

In July, Reuters reported that a 4,000 room hotel and casino has been linked to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease or legionellosis. It was reported that several recent guests have been diagnosed and treated for the illness. According to local health district representative there have been 6 cases of the illness linked to the hotel since 2009.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria. The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mists containing the viable bacteria are inhaled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher.” Death can result in 5% to 30% of those infected according to some reports.

“Legionella is found naturally in the environment. When water systems aren’t properly maintained, dangerous concentrations of the bacteria can proliferate.” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of indoor air quality and environmental testing services. “The bacteria thrive in warm water, so buildings with hot tubs, cooling towers, evaporative coolers, fountains or large plumbing systems can harbor the bacteria. Proactive water testing can help identify if the bacteria is present. If elevated concentrations are detected, relatively simple response actions can avert perilous outbreaks, costly business interruption, exaggerated bad press and expensive legal quagmires. Legionnaires’ disease infections can result in death, so it is imperative to monitor and control the concentrations and exposure pathways of this common threat to the public.”

CSC has sponsored an educational video about the risks associated with Legionella that can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7g81JxCq0

To learn how Clark Seif Clark can test for Legionella in the water at your facility or assist you with other indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, environmental, and health and safety projects please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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