Multiple confirmed and suspected cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia, have been reported in Orange County, Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith told WESH 2. Guillermo said he received the information from the Florida Health Department about several cases in the county, and said they were linked to “gym exposure.”The gym, which has not been identified, went through an inspection of its pool and spa, the senator said. The spa was then closed for a violation. WESH 2 is working to get more details, and will update this story. What is legionnaires’ disease?Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The most common way for someone to get sick is by breathing in a mist containing the bacteria. Once Legionella grows in a building’s water system, it can spread to people in several ways, and disease symptoms usually develop in 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to other types of pneumonia, with severe complications including lung failure and even death. Most cases can be treated successfully with certain antibiotics.Legionnaires’ disease symptomsCoughFeverHeadachesMuscle achesShortness of breathOther symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea, or nausea can also occur.Sources of infection include showerheads and sink faucets, hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, large, complex plumbing systems, and cooling towers.For more information on preventing and detecting Legionnaires’ disease, see the information sheet below or visit the CDC website.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Multiple confirmed and suspected cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia, have been reported in Orange County, Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith told WESH 2.
Guillermo said he received the information from the Florida Health Department about several cases in the county, and said they were linked to “gym exposure.”
The gym, which has not been identified, went through an inspection of its pool and spa, the senator said.
The spa was then closed for a violation.
WESH 2 is working to get more details, and will update this story.
What is legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The most common way for someone to get sick is by breathing in a mist containing the bacteria.
Once Legionella grows in a building’s water system, it can spread to people in several ways, and disease symptoms usually develop in 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to other types of pneumonia, with severe complications including lung failure and even death.
Most cases can be treated successfully with certain antibiotics.
Legionnaires’ disease symptomsCoughFeverHeadachesMuscle achesShortness of breath
Other symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea, or nausea can also occur.
Sources of infection include showerheads and sink faucets, hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, large, complex plumbing systems, and cooling towers.
For more information on preventing and detecting Legionnaires’ disease, see the information sheet below or visit the CDC website.
CDC
Legionnaires’ Disease info sheet