ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With Orange County seeing an uptick in Legionnaires’ disease cases, an infectious disease expert is sharing how gym goers can avoid getting infected.
What You Need To Know
According to the FDOH, Orange County saw 121 cases of Legionnaires’ in 2025
Among those cases, 14 came during an outbreak at an Orange County gym
The disease has been called a stronger version of pneumonia
A physician and infectious disease expert shares the dangers of the disease and how gym goers can avoid getting infected
There is currently no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease
It’s not uncommon for New Year’s resolutions to involve heading to the gym.
A new YouGov survey revealed exercising is the top resolution for 2026, with 25% of people planning to do it in the new year. However, there is an uptick in Legionnaires’ disease.
Physicians are urging people to take precautions, as Orange County had more Legionnaires’ disease cases than any other county in the state last year.
“They may need oxygen, therapy, and if they’re very severe, they may be in the ICU,” said Florida International University Professor of Infectious Disease and Outbreak Response Dr. Aileen Marty.
Marty is also a physician and a senior advisor for the World Health Organization, and she shares that Legionnaires’ is a bacterial infection that can best be described as a nasty version of pneumonia.
“Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of a lung infection called pneumonia. It’s caused by a bacterium known as legionella,” stated the Mayo Clinic.
She also shares how the disease could be transmitted through aerosols and water, and how to avoid getting infected while going to the gym.
“So, in the machine area itself, you’re probably perfectly safe, but air conditioners, showers, pools, and hot tubs can all be sources that can be infected by the bacterium,” Marty explained.
The Florida Department of Health data shows that there were more than 100 Legionnaires’ cases in Orange County in 2025, with 39 of those cases being detected in December alone.
Symptoms include coughing, fever, headaches, and muscle aches, among others, but Marty says that it could take two to 10 days to feel these symptoms after an infection.
This is why she suggests that people ensure their gym is doing their part in maintaining the facility because the bacteria are challenging to get rid of.
“It’s extraordinarily important for the people who maintain these to do very strict hygiene of their water supplies so they can reduce the risk of there being an outbreak of legionnaires,” said Marty.
Marty also encourages people to have conversations with their gym, landlord or hotel to ensure their own safety.
“Are you doing this? Are you aware that these outbreaks are happening in this city and what is your plan? Am I going to be safe in your space?” questioned Dr. Marty.
Orange County had the highest cases of Legionnaires in 2025 in Florida and there is currently no vaccine for it.