Three Elgin Schools Closed Over Legionella Bacteria

A suburban Chicago school district on Wednesday evacuated three of its schools after higher levels than normal of Legionella bacteria were found in cooling towers.

The school district posted a message on its Facebook page, explaining the decision to evacuate the schools immediately.

Eastview Middle students are being transported to Bartlett High School until parents can pick them up.

Fergus said the district is working with local health officials.

Classes have been cancelled for students at Eastview Middle School in Bartlett, Larkin High School in Elgin and Gifford Street High School, said Tony Sanders, CEO of U-46. The students and staff were evacuated after the Wednesday morning discovery. There are no reports of anyone in the area becoming ill. Cooling towers of public buildings, part of a structure’s cooling and air conditioning system, are a prime locations for the bacteria. He did not say when the schools would reopen. Students at Larkin were dismissed to go home if they walk to school, or wait for school buses. “I believe the children should be at school, getting an education”, Yolanda Williams said. Legionella bacteria is transmitted through water when people breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria, according to the CDC.

The inhaled bacteria can cause a pneumonia-type illness known as Legionnaires’ disease. “We have absolutely no evidence that our students have been exposed to anything harmful”.