A surge in Legionnaires' disease cases in Orange County, Florida, has been linked to a local gym, with at least 14 confirmed instances triggering concern amongst health officials and residents alike. This information was shared by State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, who was briefed by the Florida Health Department. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the specific gym harboring the bacteria that cause this severe form of pneumonia has not yet been named by authorities.
According to a report by WESH, Smith stated that the cases had a connection to "gym exposure," and an environmental assessment at the facility has been performed, which included evaluating water conditions like disinfectant levels, temperature, and pH of premise plumbing outlets and spa. Results are pending, but a spa was shuttered due to violations found during a regulatory inspection. Alex LeBeau, an exposure scientist with Exposure Consulting, stressed the rarity of an outbreak involving numerous cases to the outlet, emphasizing the risk associated with hot water environments such as gyms.
Legionnaires' disease, a bacterial infection that prompts symptoms akin to pneumonia, can prove particularly severe for those aged over 50 or with existing lung issues, as well as smokers. While Smith confirmed that no deaths have been reported, concerns are heightened due to the bacteria's presence in water systems and the potential for it to spread via mist inhaled into the lungs.
WTFV, on further investigation into the matter, identified Crunch Fitness on East Silver Star Road in Ocoee as the gym where some members reported contracting the disease. The gym, which told Channel 9, is cooperating fully with health officials and is undertaking extensive water testing.
Those experiencing symptoms that mirror those of Legionnaires' disease – such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath- are advised to seek medical attention. For those looking for more information on prevention and detection of the disease, resources are available on the CDC's website.
