A Florida school had to be vacated after a kindergarten teacher tragically died of Legionnaires’ disease.
Katherine Pennington, 61, a teacher at Pasadena Fundamental School, suddenly passed away on November 24 after testing positive for Legionella – a bacteria that causes the severe form of pneumonia.
The Dayton, Ohio native, who worked at the school for 36 years, spent four days inside the Intensive Care unit at Pasadena Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
After word broke of Pennington contracting the deadly disease, the school temporarily evacuated seven of its classrooms, moving students and teachers to other parts of the building.
Donita Moody, the school’s principal, said repairs are set to be made on the air conditioning systems in those classrooms, according to a letter she sent out to parents on Wednesday, Tampa Bay Times reported.
Instead of spreading from person to person like other diseases, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease commonly circulates through mist, like air conditioning units located in larger buildings, according to Mayo Clinic.
In her letter, Moody did not address the death of Pennington or the disease, as she continued: ‘In an abundance of caution, air quality tests will also be done to ensure students and staff remain safe.
‘Students will return to their original classroom as repairs are completed,’ she added.
Katherine Pennington, 61, suddenly passed away on November 24 after testing positive for Legionella – a bacteria that causes the severe form of pneumonia
The Pasadena Fundamental School kindergarten teacher who dedicated 36 years of her life to teaching was admitted into the hospital after experiencing severe symptoms
Pennington checked into the hospital after experiencing a headache, chills, sweats and a high fever – all symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.
Her condition quickly worsened as the ‘dedicated’ teacher had to be intubated, given dialysis, and soon placed in hospice care before she died, her sister Susan Giesler told the outlet.
The teacher’s grief-stricken sister also said that she found out through Pennington’s colleague that there was a report of stagnant water and black mold in the building’s air system.
The unnamed staff member said that teachers often expressed concern to the school’s administration about the issue.
The school has since hired an environmental company to clean the entire building, and are waiting on air sample test results, district officials told the outlet.
The teacher’s grief-stricken sister said that she found out through Pennington’s colleague that there was a report of stagnant water and black mold in the building’s air system
The Department of Health confirmed on Thursday that the school district is following health regulations, the email stated.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease commonly circulates through mist, like air conditioning units located in larger buildings
‘The district and school staff continue to work closely with the (Department of Health) to ensure all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the school community,’ a district spokesperson said.
DailyMail.com contacted Moody and the Pinellas County School District for comment.
Pennington has been remembered as someone who spent her life ‘nurturing young minds,’ according to her obituary.
‘Her passion for teaching and her love for children of all ages left a lasting impact on countless lives,’ it continued.
Other than teaching, the mother, sister and aunt enjoyed gardening and going to estate and garage sales where she often found vintage pottery.
‘She was well known to leap out of the car to be the first one into the sale! Her laughter and sparkling personality were legendary!,’ the obituary added.
Pennington, a mother, sister, aunt and cousin, has been remembered as someone who spent her life ‘nurturing young minds’
The late teacher’s life was celebrated on December 1 at Washington Park Shelter, according to a post made on Pennington’s Facebook page.
‘In lieu of flowers, please read a banned book. Read to your children and grandchildren. Plant a native plant. And laugh and live loudly!,’ it continued.
Legionnaires’ disease is often known to attack the lungs, but it can also affect the heart, according to Mayo Clinic.
The disease comes in both a severe and mild form known as Pontiac fever, which has similar symptoms of chills, a high fever, body aches and headaches.
People who are 50 years or older, have a weakened immune system, or have a chronic disease like diabetes, cancer or emphysema, are more susceptible to the disease.
