Thursday, July 14, 2011

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease. The Aria Resort & Casino in the tony CityCenter of Las Vegas guest post a letter on the hotel-casino's website about possible exposure to Legionnaires' disease during their stay.

According to Los Angeles Times, Aria's letter tells guests who stayed from June 21 to July 4 that they may have been exposed to the Legionella bacteria, which spreads the disease. The hotel says its water supply had high levels of the bacteria between June 21st and July 4th and wants guests to know in case they start feeling sick. The Aria advises any guests concerned about the outbreak to call (877) 326-2742.

What is Legionnaires' disease?

According to the www.nlm.nih.gov, Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers or air-conditioning units for large buildings. The bacteria don't spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, chills, a cough and sometimes muscle aches and headaches. Other types of pneumonia have similar symptoms. You will probably need a chest x-ray to diagnose the pneumonia. Lab tests can detect the specific bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.

The bacteria are more likely to make you sick if you
• Are older than 65
• Smoke
• Have a lung disease
• Have a weak immune system

Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be life-threatening. However, most people recover with antibiotic treatment.

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