Chesterton Tribune

 

 

CMS and WIS reopen after Legionella steps taken

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All Duneland schools opened as usual today, after Chesterton Middle School, Westchester Intermediate School, and the Administration Center were closed on Friday, following the discovery of Legionella bacteria -- which causes Legionnaire’s disease -- in the water systems at CMS and WIS.

Testing results were received late on Thursday, and showed a “slight elevation of Legionella” in the hot water system at CMS and in the cooling system water tower on the roof of WIS.

“DSC made the decision to close the schools to ensure that appropriate measures were in place to address the situation before allowing students and staff to return to the buildings,” DSC said in a statement released on Friday.

Those measures were completed on Sunday.

“The decision to close school was precautionary due to receiving test results after school last night and not having assurances from the appropriate agencies that the situation was being adequately addressed,” School Board President Brandon Kroft said. “We made this decision out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our students and staff.”

“Proactive measures have been ongoing and are expected to completed over the weekend,” Superintendent Chip Pettit added.

FAQs

Over the weekend, DSC released a Frequently Asked Questions sheet. Excerpts from the FAQs:

--How did Duneland School Corporation (DSC) become aware that Legionella bacteria may be present? A DSC employee self-identified with a confirmed diagnosis of Legionnaire’s disease. DSC took immediate action to test the water at various building locations.

--From which buildings were water samples taken? Initial testing samples were taken from Chesterton High School, Chesterton Middle School, Westchester Intermediate School, and Yost Elementary School. Additional testing is taking place at all DSC facilities. Precautionary measures have taken place at Bailly Elementary, Brummitt Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Liberty Intermediate, Transportation (Bus Barn), and Maintenance facilities.

--Was Legionnaire’s disease contracted at a DSC School? We have no reason to believe the disease was contracted as a result of exposure to any water system within the DSC. The Porter County Health Department is indicating that it is very unlikely that a person could contract the disease at a DSC school. However, we are working with an environmental engineering company to make sure all precautionary recommendations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are followed.

--From which buildings were water samples taken? Initial testing samples were taken from Chesterton High School, Chesterton Middle School, Westchester Intermediate School, and Yost Elementary School. Additional testing is taking place at all DSC facilities. Precautionary measures have taken place at Bailly Elementary, Brummitt Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Liberty Intermediate, Transportation (Bus Barn), and Maintenance facilities.

--What was the result of the water testing? Water test results were released to DSC in the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3. Test results indicated Chesterton Middle School had a slight elevation of Legionella in the hot water system and Westchester Intermediate School also had a slight elevation of Legionella in the cooling system water tower (on the roof). Legionella bacteria has not been found in any water lines that supply drinking fountains.

--Why was the decision made to close Westchester Intermediate School and Chesterton Middle School (Duneland Family YMCA Early Learning Academy and DSC Central Office) on Friday, Oct. 4? DSC made the decision to close school to ensure that appropriate measures were in place to address the situation before allowing students and staff to return to school or work.

--What measures are recommended by OSHA to address Legionella in the water supply? OSHA recommends the water temperature measured at water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and the delivery temperature at distant faucets is 122 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If this is the case, no further action is needed. As an added precaution, DSC is making sure all cold-water sources are less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

--What precautionary measures is DSC taking to address the situation? Westchester Intermediate School cooling tower is being cleaned with biocides and drained for the cooling season (winter). All DSC cooling systems have been shut down for the season. All DSC cold water systems are being checked for proper temperature levels: less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. All DSC hot water systems are being checked for proper temperature levels: greater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit at water heater; greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit at tap. All DSC building water faucet aerators are being removed. All DSC building water lines are being flushed. All DSC building water supplies are being checked and/or rechecked for bacteria levels. All DSC cooling systems will be checked and tested prior to the 2020 cooling season

--When are the precautionary measures expected to be completed and regular school attendance expected to resume? Precautionary steps are expected to be completed by Sunday evening, Oct. 6.

--What is the goal of the precautionary measures? The goal is to receive a non-detectable level of Legionella in all DSC water sources.

--Is the Porter County Health Department aware of this situation? DSC has been in contact with the Porter County Health Department and all recommendations are being followed.

--Is the Indiana Department of Education aware of the situation? Upon receiving test results, DSC has been in contact with the Student Health Services Specialist and the Director of School Building Security at the Indiana Department of Education. The Indiana Department of Education is monitoring the situation to ensure that all necessary protocols are being followed.

--How will the DSC address water testing moving forward? DSC conducts periodic water system checks. Moving forward, DSC will work with local and state agencies as well as an environmental engineering company to develop a formal water testing management plan.

--What is Legionella and/or Legionnaire’s disease? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella bacteria may cause Legionnaire’s disease. Legionella bacteria in airborne water droplets or mists from contaminated water sources are the primary source of human exposure. The incubation period for the disease is two to 10 days, with an average of five to six days, from initial exposure. The disease is a form of pneumonia and includes symptoms of pneumonia.

--How would I know if a person is affected by Legionella bacteria? The CDC indicates the diagnosis is based on pneumonia like symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chills, chest pains, fever, headache, aching joints and muscles, loss of appetite, low energy and fatigue. Talk to your doctor or Porter County Health Department if symptoms develop.

--Is Legionnaire’s disease spread from person to person? The CDC has explained that after Legionella grows and multiplies in a building water system, water containing Legionella then has to spread in droplets small enough for people to breathe in. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of drinking water containing Legionella. This happens when water accidentally goes into the lungs while drinking. In general, people do not spread Legionnaire’s disease to other people.

Indiana American Water

After deadline on Friday, the Indiana American Water Company released the following statement:

“Providing safe water is Indiana American Water’s number one priority and a responsibility we share with all our customers.

“The drinking water we deliver is treated and meets all federal and state water quality standards and requirements. Even though Legionella is primarily an issue in the plumbing systems of large buildings, American Water has posted information on its website to educate our customers. Additionally, we are working with the Water Research Foundation (WRF) to define a framework for the water industry to monitor for opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella.

“We never forget that at the end of every water pipe there’s a family depending on us to provide life’s most critical need. That every treatment plant serves as a barrier against potential disease. And that every community should be stronger because we are there.”

 

 

Posted 10/7/2019

 
 
 
 

 

 

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