Legionnaires’ Outbreak in Ocoee, FL

Outbreak Dates: Under Investigation (Cases reported in November 2025)

Confirmed/Suspected Cases: 25 cases in Orange County in November 2025; 14 associated with “gym exposure.”

Deaths: 0

Exposure Source: Under Investigation (14 cases associated with “gym exposure;” one facility, Crunch Fitness Ocoee, tested negative for Legionella in DOH samples.)

Orange County, Florida, is facing a significant cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Records show 25 cases were reported in November 2025 alone, which is more than six times the typical amount for that period. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) confirmed that 14 of those cases were associated with “gym exposure.”

Orange County Outbreak Overview

The Orange County Health Department (FDOH) is actively investigating a spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases. The county has recorded 82 cases so far this year, marking a 30-year high in the FDOH’s online database. The investigation has confirmed 14 cases are tied to gym exposure, though the FDOH has not specified the facility.

The Crunch Fitness location on Silver Star Road in Ocoee, which was a point of public attention, has provided an update on state testing.

Key Details from the Investigation:

• Current Case Count: The FDOH reported 25 total Legionnaires’ cases in Orange County during November 2025. Of those, 14 cases are confirmed to be associated with “gym exposure.”
• Facility Testing Results: A representative for the Ocoee Crunch Fitness stated that the FDOH collected 40 samples of water from various locations at the gym on Monday. Every sample tested negative for Legionella bacteria.
• Facility Cooperation: The gym confirmed it is cooperating fully with the FDOH’s epidemiological investigation. Its spa was previously closed due to violations noted in a regulatory inspection.
• Testing Scope: The FDOH evaluation at Crunch Ocoee included the spa systems, showers, hot water heaters, water fountains, bathroom sinks, and the exterior water main.
• Gym History: Notably, the building faced a similar issue in 2017 while it was an LA Fitness, where officials investigated three Legionnaires’ cases tied to gym patrons.
• FDOH Stance: The state health agency has not yet confirmed the negative test results publicly or commented on whether other gyms in Orange County are being tested.

While one specific gym has publicly stated that its DOH samples tested negative, the source of the 14 gym-associated illnesses and the overall rise in cases remains the focus of the FDOH’s ongoing epidemiological investigation.

Public Health Response and Legionella

The FDOH continues to investigate the cluster of Legionnaires’ cases. Legionella bacteria spread when people breathe in contaminated water particles, such as from showers, hot tubs, air conditioning systems, and water pipes where the bacteria multiply at temperatures between 77°F and 131°F.

Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted person-to-person. Symptoms, which typically appear 5 to 6 days after exposure (with an exposure period of 2 to 14 days), include fever (often 104°F or more), cough, body aches, headaches, and shortness of breath. The disease causes pneumonia (lung infection), and prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Legal Considerations for Affected Individuals

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and are one of the confirmed cases associated with gym exposure in Orange County, FL, you may have legal grounds to pursue a claim. Property owners and facility operators have a duty to maintain their water systems safely and prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.

Our specialized attorneys can help:

• Investigate the Exposure Source: We work to determine where and how the Legionella bacteria caused your illness, which may involve facilities other than the one that tested negative.
• Establish Liability: We identify the responsible parties—which may include the property owners, facility management, or maintenance companies.
• Seek Compensation: We fight to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you incurred.

Contact Us

If you have experienced symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease or received a diagnosis after visiting a public location in Orange County, FL, we strongly recommend seeking medical attention immediately.

Additionally, contacting a legal professional is essential to protect your rights and explore your options for compensation. Time is limited for filing a claim.