HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — Live racing resumes Sunday, Nov. 25 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in Hancock County after a month-long hiatus that started when four employees were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease.
Mountaineer officials said clubhouse and grandstand facilities were closed voluntarily in response and the Hancock County Health Department launched an investigation.
Legionnaires’ Disease is an infection with similarities to pneumonia that’s caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium which can be found in potable and non-potable water systems.
Most often, water droplets containing the bacteria are inhaled.
“We worked with public health officials and other water experts in taking steps to have safe water,” Mountaineer officials said in a statement.
“We no longer believe there is an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ Disease from our clubhouse or grandstand facilities.”
Live racing resumes this Sunday, November 25, 2018. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this inconvenience. pic.twitter.com/1x1Z0KLNLa
— Mountaineer Casino Resort (@mtrgaming) November 21, 2018
While live racing was suspended, other facilities at Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort remained open including the restaurants and the casino.
On Wednesday, the ribbon was cut on the new William Hill Sports Book making Mountaineer the third casino in West Virginia to offer legal sports betting.