Health Officials Claim Bacteria No Longer a Concern at Naperville LA Fitness

An LA Fitness in Naperville remained open Thursday after  reports surfaced that two men had contracted Legionnaires’ Disease in one of  the facility’s hot tubs, and DuPage County health authorities say there is no  reason for concern.

“As soon as there was any potential common exposure  identified, that  section of the health club was closed down,” said Dr. Rashmi  Chugh.  “There has not been any ongoing exposure to the public.”

Officials said when they first suspected someone had  contracted  Legionnaires’ from using the hot tub, the areas were off limits  and  remain off limits.

A spokesman for the DuPage County Health Department confirmed  Wednesday that two men contracted Legionnaires’ Disease.

The Legionella bacteria had been traced back to a hot tub at  the LA  Fitness on Freedom Drive in Naperville after the incident was first   reported on Oct. 23.

The DuPage County Health Department said Thursday that  because two weeks have passed since  the reports and no other reports have  surfaced, it is unlikely there  will be more cases related to the health club.  Still, some are being cautious.

“I don’t use the hot tub,” one member of the health club  said. “I’m a germaphobe.”

Chugh said the Legionella bacteria is spread when people,  especially those who are already sick, inhale water vapor containing the  bacteria. Symptoms typically include coughing, high fever and chills.

It’s what happened to Kent Carson, who  lost both his legs below the knee and his left arm below the elbow after he was  diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease. After months in the hospital, however,  he still doesn’t know how he was exposed.

Chugh said that careful cleaning and disinfection prevents  the bacterial buildup.

“That’s why we have regulation and recommendations for  regular cleaning, disinfection and draining at those sites,” she said.

Authorities said the two men with the disease have since  recovered and have been discharged from the hospital, but not everyone gets  seriously ill from the bacteria. Some can have a mild illness, according to  officials.