Close-up view of bacteria – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo By Kateryna Kon
In Central Florida, at least 14 cases of Legionnaires’ illness have been documented.
According to ABC News affiliate WFTV, the Florida Department of Health disclosed the outbreak’s connection to a gym in an email to state Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith.
The name of the gym was not included in the department’s letter, but WFTV had earlier reported that members of a Crunch Fitness in Ocoee, 12 miles west of Orlando, were reporting cases of Legionnaires’ illness.
However, according to preliminary test results provided to ABC News by Crunch Fitness in Ocoee, state officials’ testing revealed no sign of the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease in the samples collected thus far at the facility.
“Recent testing conducted by the Florida Department of Health has confirmed that all 20 environmental samples collected at Crunch Ocoee — including nine bulk-water samples and 11 swab samples — tested negative for Legionella,” the fitness center stated in a press release released by the company. “The Department conducted a thorough assessment of our facility, examining the external water main, spa systems, showers, hot water heaters, water fountains, and bathroom sinks. There was no sign of Legionella in any of the samples.
The statement continued: “We recognize that the community is paying more attention as a result of reports of instances of Legionellosis in the Ocoee and Pine Hills communities. The Department of Health’s extensive testing into the identified systems has revealed no current evidence that Legionella pneumophila was present in Crunch Ocoee’s water systems, even as health officials continue their larger probe.
The Florida Department of Health was contacted by ABC News for an update on their inquiry, but they did not respond right away.
Crunch Fitness had previously informed the station that it was collaborating with the health authorities, closing off areas of the gym, and testing its spa and pool systems “out of an abundance of caution.”
Inhaling the Legionella bacteria by tiny water droplets mixed in the air or contaminated water inadvertently entering your lungs can result in Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that although legionella bacteria are naturally present in freshwater, they usually thrive in warm water and warm to hot temperatures.
Although outbreaks can occur when the bacteria enter a building’s water supply, such as through shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters, and other plumbing systems, the disease does not transmit from person to person.
According to the CDC, the prevalence of legionnaires has risen over the past ten years, peaking at 2.71 cases per 100,000 in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic’s initial year saw a decline in cases, which later increased in 2021.
Antibiotics help most individuals recover from Legionnaires’ disease, but some patients—such as those with weakened immune systems or long-term lung conditions—may experience potentially deadly consequences.
According to the CDC, approximately 10 percent of those who contract Legionnaires’ illness will pass away as a result of complications. According to the government health agency, approximately one in four patients who contract Legionnaires’ illness while hospitalized will pass away.
Make sure you are staying up-to-date with the latest and most important Florida news with Florida Insider. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature, weather, or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Mike has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. He once owned his own agency and has worked with some of the largest brands in the world.
