
At least 14 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported in central Florida.
In an email to state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, the Florida Department of Health revealed the outbreak is linked to a gym, reported ABC News affiliate WFTV.
The letter from the department did not list the name of the gym, but WFTV reported that a Crunch Fitness in Ocoee -- 12 miles west of Orlando -- had members reporting cases of Legionnaires' disease.
3 dead and at least 67 sick from growing Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City
Crunch Fitness told the station it is working with the health department, has closed off parts of the gym and is testing its pool and spa systems "out of an abundance of caution."
Neither the Florida Department of Health nor Crunch Fitness immediately returned ABC News' request for comment.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria in small droplets of water mixed in the air or contaminated water accidentally going into your lungs.
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater but typically grow best in warm water and in warm to hot temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The disease does not spread from person to person, but outbreaks can grow if the bacteria get into a building's water supply, including in shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters and other plumbing systems.
Mysterious outbreak in Argentina solved: Legionnaires' disease behind illness that sickened 11
Legionnaires has increased in prevalence over the last decade, reaching a peak of 2.71 cases per 100,000 in 2018, the CDC said. Cases dropped during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and then rebounded in 2021.
Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal.
About one out of every 10 people who develops Legionnaires' disease will die due to complications, according to the CDC. Among those who develop Legionnaires' disease during a stay in a health care facility, about one out of every four people will die, the federal health agency added.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Step by step instructions to Pick the Right Sunlight powered charger Type for Your Home - 2
Ukrainian Army Converts E38 BMW 7-Series Into Multiple Rocket Launch Platform - 3
The most effective method to Shake Hands Expertly: A Bit by bit Guide - 4
Discovering a true sense of harmony: Contemplation and Care Practices - 5
Charli xcx teases new film ‘The Moment’: What to know about the A24 movie
A Time of Careful Eating: Individual Tests in Nourishment
New trailer for 'Bridgerton' Season 4 teases Benedict's love story: Watch it here
Instructions to Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Dental Requirements
Nutrient Rich Natural products: Lift Your Wellbeing
Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids
Study finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought
'Senseless violence' erupts at Christmas tree lighting; 4 injured
Hilary Duff releases 'Mature,' her 1st song in 10 years
What’s your chronotype? Knowing whether you’re a night owl or an early bird could help you do better on tests and avoid scams













