UPDATE OCT. 18: The water has been turned back on at Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital. The water tested negative legionella pneumophila on Thursday.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services says Legionella was detected in the quarterly water sample. Upon receipt of the results, the water was turned off immediately to mitigate exposure patients and staff.
Disinfection of the water supply and lines per Centers for Disease Control and Prevent recommendations began on Oct. 7. The water is expected to be turned on later this week after it has been tested.
There are no known cases of patient or staff illness as a result of any exposure.
The patients and staff have been using bottled water since the water was turned off. They are using it for drinking, washing, general use and some food preparation (most food is prepared in a separate building).
Cleansing wipes, hand disinfection lotion and shower caps have also been provided.
Legionella is the bacteria that causes legionnaires' disease, which is a severe and often lethal form of pneumonia.
There have been several cases of Legionnaires' disease diagnosed in Las Vegas in recent years, including 2 guests of the Rio hotel-casino in 2017.
A guest of the Luxor died in 2012 and 6 people contracted the disease while visiting the Aria in 2011.
