Indy Fitness Facility Closes After Several Members Diagnosed With Legionnaires Disease

An Indianapolis fitness facility remains closed after several members were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

In an email to members, the Indianapolis Healthplex explained the facility would be closed after a few members were diagnosed with the disease. It's unclear when or where the members were infected by legionella bacteria, the email said. However, those affected were "active members of the Indianapolis Healthplex." Because of this, the facility was shut down in an abundance of caution pending confirmation that it is free of Legionella bacteria.

The Indianapolis Healthplex is currently working with the Marion County Public Health Department and local water safety experts to test the facility’s water systems for legionella bacteria.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria, which occurs naturally in lakes and streams, but can also grow in building water systems. Legionella bacteria can become a health problem when small droplets of water that contain the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in.

The facility is located on the near northwest side, near 38th Street and Guion Road.