The L.A. Fitness gym located in Ocoee, FL at 1560 E. Silver Star Road in the Orlando area, has recently spawned a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak according to news reports.
The Orlando Sentinel and WFTV9 ABC are reporting that according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, three people have contracted the disease. The Florida Department of Health contacted the management of the facility to inform them of the infections.
While the exact source of the outbreak has not yet been definitively identified, according to the Orlando Sentinel article, Alvina Chu, the epidemiology program manager with the health department has reviewed the outbreak and said:
LA Fitness shut off access to the showers and hot tub upon being notified by the state, then installed specially filtered shower heads that eliminate bacteria from the shower stream, she said. State investigators pulled water samples from the gym before steps were taken to clean up the facility. Those samples have been sent to a lab in Jacksonville, Chu said.
The potential for Legionnaires’ infection can stem from any number of water sources within the gym, including the pool, hot tub, shower, water fountain or any other water source. However, it appears within the next few days the state should have a more clear picture of the likely source of the bacteria.
If you or a loved are feeling symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, the first and most important step is to immediately seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
This is not the first time a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has hit central Florida. Back in June of 2015, the SpringHill Suites Marriott suffered a Legionnaires’ outbreak.
To learn more, the Florida Department of Health provides comprehensive Guidelines for Surveillance, Investigation and Control of Legionnaires Disease (PDF).
If you or a loved on has become sick from the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the L.A. Fitness gym in Ocoee, FL, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Don’t wait! Contact me today for a free consultation.
If you are considering hiring an attorney to represent you or a loved one in a Legionnaires’ claim, take a moment to download my free guide that will help you make an educated decision in hiring the right attorney to represent you in your Legionnaires’ case.
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