Legionella bacteria found in Oakwood schools’ water for 4th year in a row

OAKWOOD — Legionella has been found in Oakwood schools following its annual testing of the water supply system throughout the district.

The bacteria was detected in the water in the district’s junior high and high school Monday, July 17, after receiving the annual proactive water testing results, according to a spokesperson for the district.

All water fountains are closed in the impacted schools and no showering or use of hot water is permitted, the district said.

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According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia. Symptoms include chills, cough, muscle aches and more.

District-wide results show no bacteria at Lange School, Smith Elementary, or Mack Hummon Stadium. The district is still waiting on test results from Lane Stadium and Harman School.

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Water treatment is scheduled for the junior high and high school on Friday, July 28. After the treatment is complete, retesting will be done the district said.

Legionella was last found in the district’s water in July 2022 — also at the junior high and high school.

The bacteria has been detected in the district’s water for four years in a row.

More information about the bacteria can be found here.

A correction was made to the original article after it incorrectly reported that the bacteria was detected in the water on July 28. The positive test results for the legionella bacteria was received on July 17. As a result of the positive test result, a water system treatment was scheduled for July 28.

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