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A potentially fatal respiratory illness caused by bacteria in common areas such as air conditioning systems, showers, whirlpool areas and even potting soil has been tracked to the Polo Towers, which is the first resort on the strip to be built for the purpose of vacation ownership. According to a local Vegas news station, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) issued a warning(PDF version) three days ago to individuals who have stayed at the popular Strip resort following two recent cases of Legionnaires' Disease, one in August and one in September of this year. Both cases involved individuals who stayed at Polo Towers. In October and November of 2007, there were two cases of Legionnaires' diagnosed from individuals who stayed at the Towers, bringing the total of cases to four and the common link? Location. The SNHD is asking that anyone who has stayed at the resort in the past 14 days and develops any flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention immediately and show the attending physician the warning letter. They are also collecting information on anyone who has been diagnosed with the disease or hospitalized with pneumonia over the past year and has stayed in the Polo Towers to contact the health district at (702) 759-INFO or toll free (866) 767-5738. For future guests, the SNHD is asking that individuals review the fact sheet and assess risk factors prior to visiting. It was confirmed by CDC and the SNHD that there was bacteria in the resort's water following a water sampling. If left untreated, Legionnaires' Disease can lead to respiratory failure, septic shock and acute kidney failure. Symptoms of the disease typically develop between 2 and 14 days following exposure:

begins with a headache, muscle pain, chills and a fever that may be 104 F or higher. By the second or third day, most people develop other signs and symptoms, including:

Cough, which may bring up mucus and sometimes blood

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Confusion or other mental changes

Although Legionnaires' disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.

The disease is treated with antibiotics and the sooner therapy is started, the less likely the chance of complications, including fatal complications. Legionnaires' Disease got its name from an outbreak in 1976 at an American Legion Convention to celebrate the bicentennial. Within weeks, hundreds of those who gathered had fallen ill and 34 died, all with pneumonia symptoms. The bacteria has since been named Legionella.