Eastern Cherokees investigate Legionnaires' disease at casino

Monday, November 26, 2018  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is investigating whether an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is linked to the tribe's flagship casino in North Carolina.

According to a press release jointly issued by the tribe and Jackson County, three people who visited the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort between May and November of this year have come down with the disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia. It's not clear, however, whether anyone contracted Legionnaires at the facility.

"Legionella bacteria is naturally occurring in the environment and has up to a 14-day incubation period, making it difficult to pinpoint exact location of exposure," the release states.

The casino is treating the water system and taking other steps to inform guests about the investigation.

Outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease may be traced back to NC casino, officials say (The Charlotte News & Observer November 21, 2018)