A kindergarten teacher’s death has led officials to investigate a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at a Florida elementary school. Katherine Pennington, 61, died on November 24 after testing positive for legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease. At least seven classrooms have been temporarily vacated while repairs are made to the air conditioning system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia characterized by fever, headache, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. The disease does not spread from person to person but is found in water and soil sources. Repairs are being carried out to ensure students and staff remain safe.
The school has temporarily relocated the affected classrooms while air quality tests are conducted. Students will return to their original classroom once repairs are completed.
Source: https://people.com/classrooms-vacated-after-florida-teacher-who-tested-positive-for-bacteria-that-causes-legionnaires-disease-dies-8758267