Legionella found in both Allegheny Valley schools

Testing revealed elevated levels of legionella in several sinks at both Acmetonia Elementary School and Springdale Junior-Senior High School in Allegheny Valley School District, officials announced Thursday.

Water fountains in the affected schools have been shut down and students will drink bottled water until the problem has been resolved, Superintendent Patrick Graczyk said in a statement.

Hand washing will still be allowed.

Legionella is a bacteria that grows in fresh water, such as lakes, but can also appear in building’s water systems if they are not properly maintained, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

It infects people who inhale water droplets, and can cause cough, fever and muscle ache. Though it can be treated with antibiotics, the disease is often deadly in the elderly and other vulnerable populations, according to the CDC.

Schools are a low-risk population, and no cases have been reported in Allegheny Valley School District, Graczyk said.

The district plans to super-heat its water fixtures to sterilize them, then re-test the water supply to make sure the infection has been eliminated, Graczyk said.

The district tested its water because of legionella found in other nearby school districts recently, Graczyk said.

Fox Chapel Area School District discovered legionella in four schools mid-August.

The bacteria also was found in early September at Oblock Junior High School in Plum. Restrictions were lifted Sept. 14 after the district flushed the water system and follow-up tests came back negative.