Legionnaires’ Disease Bacteria Causes Evacuation in Chicago-Area Schools

Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, was found in three suburban Illinois schools and one school district office earlier this morning, CBS Chicago reports. The schools, all in the town of Elgin, Illinois, were immediately evacuated following the discoveries, which took place during annual inspections of cooling towers at Eastview Middle School, Larkin High School, and Gifford Street High School. Legionnaires’ cannot be spread from person to person, and is contracted by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria. The disease — which is a form of pneumonia, caused by the water-dwelling bacteria Legionella — is acquired by breathing in infected water vapors and mists in the air. It can show up in air conditioners, showers, faucets, hot tubs, cooling towers, and large plumbing systems. The disease can be deadly to young children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms are flulike and often include fever, chills, muscle aches, and coughing, according to the CDC.