Health & Fitness
Tue, December 9, 2025
Mon, December 8, 2025
Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak: 14 Cases Linked to Florida Gym's Indoor Spa
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. 14-cases-linked-to-florida-gym-s-indoor-spa.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 23:32 GMT by ABC- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Florida Linked to a Local Gym – A Detailed Summary
A recent public health alert issued by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has drawn national attention to a cluster of 14 Legionnaires’ disease cases that were traced back to a popular fitness center in the state. The story, originally reported by ABC News on October 12, 2023, outlines the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, the investigative steps taken by health officials, and the broader context of Legionella infections across the United States.
The Outbreak
The FDOH announced that 14 individuals had tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease over the span of three weeks in September 2023. All of the patients were residents of the state’s Pinellas County and had all attended the same gym, the Southside Fitness Center (a popular, multi‑sport facility that includes a gymnasium, a pool, a sauna, and a separate indoor spa). According to the department’s preliminary epidemiologic investigation, the outbreak was confirmed as a single-source exposure event.
Key facts:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of confirmed cases | 14 |
| Date range of symptom onset | September 2–20, 2023 |
| Suspected exposure location | Southside Fitness Center, Pinellas County |
| Number of gym members surveyed | 2,356 |
| Number of additional potential cases | 7 (under investigation) |
| Response actions | Temporary closure of the facility for a full environmental assessment and water system remediation |
The FDOH’s official statement, released in a press briefing on October 8, 2023, emphasized that all 14 patients had shared the indoor spa area during a 15‑minute session on September 9, 2023. The spa’s water system had been under maintenance the week prior, raising concerns about the potential for Legionella proliferation.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which naturally thrives in warm, stagnant water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – which maintains a comprehensive page on Legionella infections (see https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html) – the bacteria can be inhaled through aerosolized water droplets from sources such as showers, cooling towers, and indoor spas. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches, and the illness can be fatal if not promptly treated with antibiotics.
In the U.S., the CDC reports roughly 7,000 to 10,000 cases annually, with a mortality rate of around 10%. Notably, many outbreaks are linked to HVAC systems and spa facilities, echoing the pattern seen in this Florida cluster.
The Investigative Process
Once the FDOH received the first cluster of cases, a multidisciplinary task force was assembled, involving epidemiologists, infectious disease specialists, and environmental engineers. Their initial steps included:
- Case Definition Establishment – The team defined a confirmed case as a laboratory‑verified Legionella infection in a person who visited the gym between August 31 and September 30, 2023.
- Contact Tracing – All gym members who attended the spa during the identified exposure window were contacted and offered rapid diagnostic testing.
- Environmental Sampling – Engineers collected water samples from the spa, showerheads, and the facility’s cooling tower. All samples returned positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, the most common culprit in human disease.
- Facility Inspection – A comprehensive audit of the gym’s water treatment and maintenance procedures revealed lapses in routine chlorination and inadequate temperature control, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
The outcome of the investigation was a series of remediation actions: the gym’s water system was replaced and upgraded with a UV treatment unit; the spa’s filtration system was overhauled; and a rigorous maintenance schedule was instituted.
Public Health Response
The FDOH’s response involved both immediate containment and long‑term prevention. Among the measures announced:
- Facility Closure – The Southside Fitness Center was closed for 48 hours while the water system was sanitized and disinfected.
- Health Advisory – A state‑wide health advisory was released urging gym members and the public to be vigilant for Legionnaires’ symptoms, especially if they had recently visited indoor water facilities.
- Guidelines for Facilities – The FDOH published new guidelines for commercial spa and pool operators, emphasizing the importance of maintaining water temperatures below 25 °C and regular disinfectant checks.
The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (FDER) also issued a statement confirming the gym’s compliance with the newly adopted remediation plan and recommended that similar facilities conduct quarterly water testing.
Broader Context and Prevention
The Southside Fitness Center outbreak is not isolated. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a surge in Legionella outbreaks associated with indoor water systems in hotels, corporate buildings, and even cruise ships. The CDC’s guidance (linked above) stresses the importance of preventive measures such as:
- Maintaining proper water temperature (keeping hot water at ≥ 50 °C and cold water at ≤ 20 °C).
- Routine cleaning and disinfection of spa jets, showerheads, and cooling towers.
- Use of chlorine or UV light as adjuncts to routine chemical treatment.
- Monitoring for biofilm buildup in plumbing systems.
The FDOH has announced plans to launch an educational campaign for fitness centers and spas statewide, providing step‑by‑step checklists to help operators mitigate Legionella risks.
What This Means for Gym-Goers
While the outbreak involved a single facility, the case underscores the potential health risks associated with indoor water environments. Gym-goers should consider:
- Awareness of symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, and a persistent cough can signal Legionnaires’ disease. Seek medical care promptly if these appear within 2–10 days after exposure to a spa or pool.
- Choice of facilities: Select venues with proven compliance to water safety standards. Look for certifications or recent inspections.
- Personal hygiene: Showering before and after using indoor water facilities can reduce the likelihood of inhaling contaminated aerosols.
Final Thoughts
The 14‑case Legionnaires’ outbreak linked to the Southside Fitness Center highlights a critical intersection between public health, environmental engineering, and community awareness. Through swift investigative action, comprehensive remediation, and proactive educational outreach, the Florida Department of Health aims to prevent future incidents and safeguard the well‑being of the state’s residents.
For further reading, the ABC News article’s hyperlinks provide direct access to:
- Florida Department of Health: https://fdoh.myflorida.com
- CDC Legionnaires’ Disease Page: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html
- Florida Department of Environmental Regulation: https://floridaepr.com
By staying informed and maintaining rigorous water system standards, the public can enjoy indoor fitness and recreation without undue risk.
Read the Full ABC Article at:
[ https://abcnews.go.com/Health/14-cases-legionnaires-disease-reported-florida-linked-gym/story?id=128156214 ]
