Orange County health officials are investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Ocoee, FL, that may be linked to the Crunch Fitness at 1560 E. Silver Star Road. At least 12 people have been hospitalized, our Legionnaires’ disease lawyers are representing several of them.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia people get when they inhale water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted from person to person.
Do You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?
Ocoee Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
This outbreak may include as many as 28 illnesses, according to local media reports. Crunch Fitness is cooperating with the health department’s investigation, a spokesperson told local media. The gym remains open, but the pool and spa areas have been temporarily closed while a third-party specialist conducts water tests.
Previous Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Same Location
In 2017, when LA Fitness occupied that Silver Star Road location, it was linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that sickened at least three people.
Before opening in 2024, Crunch Fitness spent more than $5 million on renovations, including improvements to the HVAC and plumbing systems, management has told local media.
How Does Legionella Get into a Gym?
Legionella bacteria are found in nature but grow best in the warm water of man-made structures. Outbreaks are often linked to hot tubs, swimming pools, and the complex plumbing systems of large buildings.
Chlorine breaks down rapidly at temperatures above 78˚F, so hot tubs, which typically operate between 96˚F – 104˚F, must be vigilantly maintained. Indoor pools or therapy pools can also harbor Legionella, especially in the filters or heating systems, or if the pool has a waterfall feature that could aerosolize water.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
People with Legionnaires’ disease often require hospitalization. About 10 percent of cases are fatal. Symptoms usually develop within two to 14 days of exposure and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
Who is at Risk?
People at elevated risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease include:
- Current and former smokers
- People over 50
- People with weakened immune systems
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How We Investigate (and Win) Legionnaires’ Cases
Our Legionnaires’ team conducts a three‑pronged investigation:
- Epidemiology: We interview clients and review health department data to determine a timeline and common exposures.
- Environmental: We coordinate independent sampling; and obtain and review maintenance records
- Laboratory: When possible, we match a patient’s Legionella isolate to environmental samples using genetic “fingerprinting.”
Our Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers Can Help
Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease attorneys have decades of experience representing clients with Legionnaires’ disease and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To request a free consultation with our experienced Legionnaires’ Team, call us at 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856, or use the form below.
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