School reopens after legionella bacteria find
A SPECIAL school has reopened after low levels of the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ Disease were found on the site.
Ysgol Y Deri in Penarth was closed briefly as a precaution after the bacteria was discovered during testing of the hot water system at the school.
Last Wednesday, the school released a joint statement with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on social media saying that testing of the hot water system at the school had revealed the presence of very low levels of the bacteria legionella at certain locations on the site and that it would be closed until yesterday.
There have been no confirmed cases among pupils and staff, and the school re-opened yesterday with the hot water having been shut off as a temporary measure as well as bringing in water pumps and hand sanitizer supplies.
The school and Vale of Glamorgan council has advised parents that symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease are similar to colds, influenza and winter bugs, and to only seek medical advice if symptoms cannot be managed at home.
Legionella is transmitted where water droplets are inhaled, such as from shower steam, sprays from water and other aerosol generating procedures.
A joint statement from the school and the Vale of Glamorgan council said: “During routine testing of the hot water system and hot water pumps at Ysgol Y Deri, very low levels of Legionella, the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, were found at certain locations on the school site.
“Ysgol Y Deri was closed briefly as a precaution due to the medical vulnerability of some pupils.
“Although the risk posed is low, the duty of care the school and council has to pupils comes before any other consideration and their welfare will always be put first.
“There have been no confirmed cases of infection among either pupils or staff and work was done to ensure Ysgol Y Deri could open safely.
“This includes shutting off hot water, bringing in water pumps and hand sanitiser supplies.
“This is a temporary measure while arrangements for a permanent solution are made.
“Public Health Wales has advised that the symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease are similar to many other conditions, such as influenza, common colds and other winter bugs that are currently in circulation. These symptoms can include coughs, flu-like symptoms and fever.
Legionella cannot be transmitted person to person.
“Legionella is transmitted where droplets are inhaled, from shower steam, sprays from water and other aerosol generating procedures, for example.
“The advice to all parents is to only seek medical advice if symptoms cannot be managed at home as with any illness.
“If there is any chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe flu like symptoms please dial 111.
“For any emergencies continue to dial 999.”