Legionnaires Fears at the Rio, Host Hotel of the 2017 WSOP
Two guests of the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in March and April, respectively, have come down with Legionnaires’ disease. The two individuals made separate trips to Las Vegas hotel and did not know one another. This has those participating in the 2017 World Series of Poker a bit apprehensive considering the event is taking place at the Rio.
Legionnaires' disease, a form of pneumonia, doesn't spread from person to person. Instead, the bacteria spreads through mist, such as from air-conditioning units for large buildings.
Symptoms of the disease include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhea. The fatality rate is as high as 50 percent if not treated immediately.
Mark Bergtholdt, environmental health supervisor, says the hotel began using chlorine at high temperatures on Thursday to disinfect its rooms and water system. The Southern Nevada Health District and Caesars Entertainment did acknowledge that the testing came back positive for traces of the bacteria.
Another Vegas property, the MGM Grand, found itself fighting off bad press after a video went viral purporting to show bed bugs in one of the rooms.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com