Seven classroom at a Pinellas County elementary school have been temporarily vacate and state health official are conducting an probe following the death of a teacher who test positive for Legionella_pneumophilia, the bacteria that cause Legionnaires disease.
Katherine Pennington, a teacher at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School, die Nov. 24 after four days in intensifier care, harmonize to her family.
Legionnaires disease is a serious form of pneumonia that cause fever, concern, muscle ache and shortness of breath, harmonize to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. current and former smoker, people aged 50 and up and those with health conditions include cancer, diabetes, kidney and liver failure are at increase hazard from infection.
In a note sent to parent Wednesday, school principal Donita Moody state child in Building 4 of the school will return class elsewhere on campus while repair were make to the air-conditioning system. The message did not link the resettlement to the teacher death or Legionnaires disease.
In an abundance of caution, air quality trial will also be make to guarantee student and staff stay safe, the electronic_mail state. student will tax_return to their master classroom as soon as repair are completed.
Pennington, 61, was admit to HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital with high fever, concern, chill and sweat_suit. As her condition worsen, she was cannulate and given dialysis. She was put in hospice care after her variety_meat get_down to fail, state sister Suzanne Geisler.
Geisler state that she had talk with a colleague of her sister who state her that there had been a report of standing water and black cast in the building air-animal_trainer. She state teacher had express concern to the school administration about working in the building.
The district is wait on trial consequence of air sample from the building. An environmental company has been retain to clean_and_jerk the building. Department of Health official visit the school Thursday and confirm that the district is comply with health regulation, the electronic_mail states.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pennington work as a teacher for 36 old_age, harmonize to her obituary.
Kathy, as her friend and family know her, was an avid gardener especially interest in native Florida plant and pollinator. She love garage and estate gross_sales where she would often choice up vintage pottery piece. She was know to leap out of the car when arrive at gross_sales in her ardor to snag the best bargains.
She was full_moon of life and laugh and proudly wear her necktie-dye kindergarten tee shirt everywhere, state Geisler. She was one in a million and I girl her dreadfully.
Pennington was popular and beloved at the school where she teach kindergarten, Geisler state. She stay in touch with former student, include one in prison to whom she write regularly.
Around 100 people, include student, attend her memorial service on Dec. 1 at Walsingham Park. current student were among those who share their memory of her.
She was always a happy and smile person with kind words and a warm hug for the child, parent Jennifer Bennouri write on Pennington's on-line obituary. I know she will be greatly miss both by her family and her school family.