Off-the-Las Vegas Strip resorts report cases of deadly disease

Any time you're in public with large groups of people there is a risk of contracting an illness. On an airplane, at a sporting event, a conference or pretty much anywhere you're in an enclosed space.

But most people don't realize that even open-air hot tubs can be disease vectors. It's not the people who are spreading the bacteria-causing illness, though; it's infected droplets of water.

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These droplets can also be spread through the cool mist that comes through air-conditioning systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, when Legionella bacteria grow in water systems, such as those used for pools and hot tubs, infected water droplets in the air are easy enough to inhale and can ultimately cause a life-threatening type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' Disease.

Legionella is a bacteria that causes deadly Legionnaires' disease; the bacteria is often found in hot tubs.

Image source: Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Two popular Las Vegas resorts report cases of Legionnaires' disease

The South Point Hotel and the Grandview, two hotels a few miles off the strip, both reported Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease in their water systems, according to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and at least two guests came down with Legionnaires' disease.

Both have recovered but the hotels and the SNHD are asking other guests who may have contracted the disease to contact them.

South Point and Grandview are undertaking extensive remediation efforts, including disinfecting their water systems and conducting follow-up testing to ensure the safety of future guests.

“The facility is fully cooperating with the Health District’s investigation and has initiated guest notifications regarding the potential exposure,” said the SNHD in an official statement.

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.

Those who stayed at either property before May 7, 2025, and did not experience symptoms are considered to be no longer at risk.

While both hotels remain open and operational, the reputational damage could be significant. Las Vegas is a hospitality-driven economy where trust in sanitation and safety is crucial. Legal experts suggest a wave of lawsuits and insurance claims could follow if more illnesses are linked to these outbreaks.

What is Legionnaire's disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a dangerous lung infection caused by inhaling aerosolized droplets of water contaminated with Legionella.

The disease is not spread person-to-person, but is dangerous for:

Adults 50 and older
Smokers (current or former)
People with chronic lung conditions
People with weakened immune systems
People who are undergoing chemotherapy
People who have had organ transplants
People who have diabetes, kidney or liver disease

Symptoms mimic the flu, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain and headaches, but can escalate quickly.

Anyone experiencing symptoms within two to 14 days of staying at either hotel is urged to seek medical attention and complete a confidential illness survey posted by the SNHD.

The outbreaks at South Point and Grandview serve as a warning to travelers about hidden health risks in even the most seemingly well-maintained hotels. Legionella thrives in warm water systems, including hot tubs, showers, and decorative fountains.

There was also a recent outbreak on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, according to an entry on the Royal Caribbean Blog.

As summer travel season approaches, millions of Americans will hit the road or board flights for vacations, conventions, and work trips. Experts recommend that travelers with underlying health issues or those in high-risk groups take precautions such as:

Avoiding hot tubs and spas in older or lower-rated properties
Requesting details on hotel water safety protocols
Monitoring for symptoms after returning home

Anyone with additional questions about the Las Vegas outbreaks can contact the Health District’s Helpline at (702) 759-4636 (INFO), Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

More information on Legionnaire’s disease is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.