School officials in Batavia have notified parents that the Legionella bacteria was detected through water analysis. The bacteria was found at Alice Gustafson Elementary School, Batavia High School and Hoover-Wood Elementary School. In rare circumstances, these bacteria may cause Legionnaires’ disease in people with weak immune systems. The district says no related illnesses have been reported. Three hotel guests in Chicago died this summer from the disease.
Batavia Public Schools website
Letter to Parents
(From the District's website)
Dear Parent/Guardian:
I want to share with you that while conducting proactive water quality analyses at Batavia Public Schools, we detected traces of Legionella bacteria at Alice Gustafson Elementary School/Early Childhood Center, Batavia High School and Hoover-Wood Elementary School.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in water and water fixtures. In very rare circumstances, these bacteria may cause Legionnaires’ disease in people with compromised immune systems. After consulting with the Kane County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, I was assured that the possibility of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is extremely low.
No related illnesses have been reported; district officials have put the safety of students and employees first by immediately securing the affected sites and setting a comprehensive remediation plan in motion.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jack Barshinger
Superintendent of Schools