HPP– Authorities are looking into a potential Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at a Florida elementary school following the death of a kindergarten teacher.
Katherine Pennington, 61, passed away on Nov. 24 after being diagnosed with legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Seven classrooms at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School in St. Petersburg are currently unoccupied as students relocate to different areas of the campus. This change is necessary while the air conditioning system undergoes repairs, according to a letter from principal Donita Moody to parents that was acquired by the publication.
“In an abundance of caution, air quality tests will also be done to ensure students and staff remain safe,” Moody’s email stated. “Students will return to their original classroom as soon as repairs are completed.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia marked by symptoms such as fever, headache, shortness of breath, and muscle aches, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illness is not transmitted between individuals; instead, it spreads via bacteria present in water and soil environments.
A spokesperson for Pinellas County Schools informed PEOPLE that officials from the Department of Health visited the school on Thursday, Dec. 5, and verified that it met all regulatory standards.
“In an abundance of caution, air quality samples were submitted to an external lab, and the results are pending,” a district public information officer said. “Also, an environmental company has cleaned the building.”
“The district and school staff continue to work closely with the DOH to ensure all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the school community,” the statement added.
Pennington, a dedicated kindergarten teacher for 36 years at the school, passed away at Palms of Pasadena Hospital following a four-day stay in the ICU, according to Spectrum Bay News.