Classrooms Vacated After Florida Teacher Who Tested Positive for Bacteria That Causes Legionnaires' Disease Dies
Health officials at a St. Petersburg elementary school are investigating the death of kindergarten teacher Katherine Pennington
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Katherine Pennington, Pasadena Fundamental Elementary SchoolOfficials are investigating a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at a Florida elementary school after a kindergarten teacher died.
Katherine Pennington, 61, died on Nov. 24 after testing positive for legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
At least seven classrooms at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School in St. Petersburg have been temporarily vacated, with students moving to other portions of the campus, while repairs are being made to its air conditioning system, principal Donita Moody said in a letter to parents obtained by the paper.
“In an abundance of caution, air quality tests will also be done to ensure students and staff remain safe,” Moody's email stated. “Students will return to their original classroom as soon as repairs are completed.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia that is characterized by fever, headache, shortness of breath and muscle aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disease does not pass from person to person but rather through bacteria found in water and soil sources.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a representative with Pinellas County Schools said Department of Health (DOH) officials visited the school on Thursday, Dec. 5 and confirmed it was in compliance with all regulations.
"In an abundance of caution, air quality samples were submitted to an external lab, and the results are pending," a district public information officer said. "Also, an environmental company has cleaned the building."
"The district and school staff continue to work closely with the DOH to ensure all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the school community," the statement added.
Pennington, who taught kindergarten for 36 years at the school, died at Palms of Pasadena Hospital after being in the ICU for four days, Spectrum Bay News 9 reported.
“Her passion for teaching and her love for children of all ages left a lasting impact on countless lives,” according to her obituary.
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The longtime educator, who had a passion for gardening and a “fondness” for garage and estate sales, leaves behind a daughter and three siblings.
“Her laughter and sparkling personality were legendary,” her obituary read. “Kathy will leave a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.”
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