Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Florida possibly connected to gym with 14 reported cases

Central Florida has reported at least 14 instances of Legionnaires' disease. The Florida Department of Health, in correspondence with state Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, indicated that the outbreak may be associated with a local gym, according to ABC News affiliate WFTV.

The official communication did not specify the gyms name, but WFTV cited reports from members of a Crunch Fitness in Ocoee, located 12 miles west of Orlando, who have contracted Legionnaires' disease.

Crunch Fitness stated that it is collaborating with health authorities, has restricted access to certain areas of the gym, and is conducting tests on its pool and spa systems as a precautionary measure.

Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria through airborne water droplets or accidentally inhaled contaminated water. The bacteria naturally occur in freshwater environments but proliferate in warm water and hot temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The illness is not transmitted from person to person, but outbreaks can occur if the bacteria enter a building's water system, including showers, faucets, hot water tanks, heaters, and other plumbing.

The prevalence of Legionnaires' disease has increased over the past decade, peaking at 2.71 cases per 100,000 people in 2018, with a temporary decline during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent rise in 2021.

While most patients recover with antibiotic treatment, individuals who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung conditions are at higher risk of severe complications, which can be fatal. The CDC reports that roughly 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease die from complications, with mortality rising to approximately 25% for cases acquired during a stay in a healthcare facility.

Author: Riley Thompson