A block of classrooms at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School in St. Petersburg, FL has been closed for cleaning and repairs to the air conditioning system after Kindergarten teacher Katherine Pennington died of Legionnaires’ disease.
People get Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, when they inhale water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Common sources are hot tubs, decorative fountains, plumbing systems of large buildings, and the cooling towers of air conditioning systems.
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Katherine Pennington, 61, of Dayton, OH who taught KIndergarten at the school for 36 years, passed away November 24 after four days in the intensive care unit of HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital. Parents and students are mourning the loss of a teacher they say was beloved by all.
The school district has hired an environmental services company, and an ongoing investigation is ongoing. In a note sent home to parents, the school district said students in Building 4 would temporarily move to other classrooms. It did not link the move to Pennington’s death.
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. People get it when they breathe in water vapor that is contaminated with Legionella bacteria which grows best in warm, stagnant of manmde structures.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually develop within two weeks of exposure and are similar to the flu. They include:
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
Some people, including current and former smokers, people over 50, and people with weakened immune systems are at elevated risk for Legionnaires’ disease. Most people with this infection require hospitalization. About 10 percent of cases are fatal.
Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers
Our Legionnaires’ lawyers are among the few in the nation who have won multimillion-dollar recoveries for Legionnaires’ disease outbreak victims and their families. To request your free consultation with our experienced Legionnaires’ Team, call us at 1-888-377-8900, text us at 612-261-0856, or use the form below.