Kennett High School in Kennett Square, Pa., closed its doors Friday after Legionella bacteria was detected in the water supply during a routine test of the hot water system, according to a report from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"In response to this test result, we have consulted with the Chester County Health Department and contracted with an environmental remediation firm to eliminate the bacteria," said Barry Tomasetti, the superintendent of Kennett Consolidated School District, in an online alert to the school community. "As a proactive measure, we have discontinued use of the boiler room spigot where the positive sample was taken and as an additional precaution shut down all showers. According to the health department, the presence of the bacteria, which are commonly found in water, is no concern for alarm at this time."
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Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, which is a more virulent form of pneumonia. Approximately one in 10 people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die, according to the CDC.
No cases of Legionnaires' have been reported at the high school.
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