Health Department Investigates Legionnaires’ Disease at Crunch Fitness in Ocoee

Orange County health officials are currently investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Crunch Fitness in Ocoee, Florida. Reports indicate that a cluster of illnesses has been reported in the area.

Despite Crunch Fitness newly acquiring the space, history may be repeating itself. This location was once managed by another gym that also experienced problems controlling Legionnaires’ disease at the site.

Here’s what we know so far about the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Crunch Fitness and what to do if you become sick.

Reports Indicate a Cluster of Illnesses Pointing to Legionnaires’ Disease at Crunch Fitness

At least one person has been hospitalized with Legionnaire’s disease and somewhere around another 30 possible cases have been linked to the gym.

Cluster of Illnesses Linked to Legionnaires’ Disease at Crunch Fitness

1560 E Silver Star Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761

Crunch Fitness management is working with health officials with this investigation. However, they indicate that they have not yet been informed if the source of these illnesses is their facility.

Gym Remains Open During the Investigation

The Silver Star Crunch Fitness remains open during this investigation. However, the facility has chosen to close off parts of the gym to test the water.

According to reports, “out of an abundance of caution,” the gym is conducting “thorough water testing” of its pool and spa systems through “certified third party specialists.”

The gym’s website indicates that it has a pool and sauna available to members.

Address Has a History of Legionnaires’ Disease

This isn’t the first time this address has been connected to Legionnaires’ disease.

Reports indicate that the building, previously managed by LA Fitness, was connected to at least three cases of Legionnaires’ disease in 2017.

Crunch Fitness acquired the space in 2024 and has spent quite a bit of money and time renovating the space. Crunch claims the bill came to over $5 million. Some of which came to renovating and remodeling the HVAC and aquatic systems.

How Do People Get Legionnaires’ Disease at a Gym?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria. This bacteria is commonly found in creeks, streams, and lakes. But most infections are not associated with the great outdoors. Most occur when bacteria are allowed to grow in manmade water systems. More specifically, manmade water systems where water droplets can aerosolize.

People become sick when they inhale microscopic bacteria that hitch a ride on those aerosolized droplets. Once they enter the lung, the germ develops into a pneumonia-like infection.

There are several common sources of Legionnaires’ disease. Even small amount of Legionella bacterial contamination in a place where it shouldn’t be, can grow into a huge problem.

Some of the common sources of Legionella bacteria contamination include:

• Hot tubs
• Water hoses
• CPAP machines
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Plumbing systems under construction (where dead legs may be present)
• Cooling towers (such as those used in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes)

Heated Pool, Hot Tub, or Sauna May Be Cause of Legionnaires’ Disease at Crunch Fitness

Heated pools, hot tubs and saunas are perfect breeding grounds for Legionnaires’ disease.

Hot tubs and saunas provide ideal conditions for growing and distributing Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in temperatures between 77 °F and 113 °F. Temperatures observed in heated pools, hot tubs, and saunas.

Additionally, water movement generated by jets or steam generated by a sauna can create aerosols and disseminate the bacteria into the surrounding air. Heat also accelerates the decay of disinfectants. These environments offer both a way to grow and reduce efforts and potential bacterial death.

Once the bacteria are present, it can be quite difficult to get rid of it.

How Do You Know If You Have Legionnaires’ Disease?

How do you know if you have Legionnaries’ disease?

While symptoms and severity can vary from person to person, and not everyone who is exposed will get sick, there are several common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to look out for.

Common symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache

Other Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Confusion

Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.

Who is At Greater Risk of Becoming Sick if Exposed to Legionnaires’ Disease at Crunch Fitness in Ocoee, Florida?

Most normally healthy individuals will not become infected if exposed to Legionella bacteria. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of infection.

Higher risk groups include:

• People with a weakened immune system
• Current and former smokers
• Those with chronic lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema
• Over 50 years of age

What Should You Do If You Get Sick?

If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after visiting Crunch Fitness in Ocoee or the Ocoee area, you may have Legionnaires’ disease.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If you have become sick with pneumonia-like illness, seek medical attention immediately.

Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly. Do not wait!

Request a diagnostic test for Legionnaires’ disease. If you test positive for this illness, your local health department will be notified following your diagnosis. Someone may contact you about your illness to ask questions that may help narrow down a source.

Make a List

A definitive source of this Legionnaires’ disease cluster has not been officially announced.

For this reason, it is important to make a list of the places that you have been in the weeks prior to becoming sick. The earlier that you can make this list, the more complete and accurate it will be. Have it ready in case you are asked for it.

This information is important, in that it could narrow or expand the scope of this Legionnaires’ disease investigation and help prevent further spread of this deadly infection.

Get Advice

If you have become sick after visiting Crunch Fitness in Ocoee or the Ocoee area, you may have questions. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help!

If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost work, caring for a loved one, or other burdens associated with Legionnaires’ disease illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC  has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.

Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)