Deadly bacteria found in school’s water supply

1:53am Friday 24th August 2007

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A north London school is expected to open a week late this year after an outbreak of Legionella bacteria in the school's water supply.

The bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, was discovered in the hot water system at Chace Community School in Enfield last week after a construction worker at the site fell ill.

High levels of the bacteria were found in the water system following tests and steps were taken to clean and disinfect the system, while all use of the school was cancelled.

Enfield Council's acting chief executive, John Pryor, said: "We are working closely with the school, operating on the precautionary principle to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and contractors."

It is understood that due to these precautions, the school will now open on September 10 to ensure the water system can be given the all clear.

Ursula Knight, of Tenniswood Road, was sending her two sons to a basketball course at the school when it was moved to a new location.

She criticised the council for not telling parents until a week after they suspected Legionella was present at the school.

She said: "I am really angry that the council have waited a week to let us know to look out for symptoms."

Ms Knight said there was no justification for the delay and that not wanting to scare people was a poor reason.

She added: "We are near the end of the incubation period, so telling people now to look out for it is useless."

The Legionella bacteria is present in environmental water sources and can be found in purpose-built water systems where water is warm enough to encourage bacterial growth.

Legionnaires' disease is caught by inhaling affected water droplets and is not transmitted between people.

It generally affects the more susceptible and is very uncommon in anyone under the age of 20.

The council has written to all parents and any groups using the school to advise them that if children have mild flu-like symptoms, they should contact their GP as a precaution.