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.”