Health officials are investigating a Pinellas County school after the death of a teacher from a rare and potentially deadly disease, Legionnaires’ Disease. Katherine Pennington, a teacher at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School, passed away two weeks ago after testing positive for the bacteria responsible for the illness.
Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm, standing water. People can become infected by inhaling contaminated water vapor.
Pennington’s death, which occurred on November 24, has left the school community in shock. Her colleagues, friends, and students remember her as a vibrant and warm individual who could brighten any room.
“She was always in tie-dye, very kind, bubbly, and artistic,” said Tracy Howell, a close friend of Pennington’s. “She was just a joy… All the teachers there are great, but we were lucky to have her.”
Parent Christine Tatum, whose child was in Pennington’s class, expressed her sadness and concern. “Everybody wants their kindergartner to have a magical first experience in school, so it’s been a hard conversation and transition. It’s heartbreaking,” Tatum said.
The school district has taken immediate steps in response to Pennington’s death. Students in building 4, where Pennington taught, have been relocated to other classrooms on campus. The district has also enlisted an environmental company to sanitize the building. Additionally, air quality samples were collected and sent to a lab for testing, with results pending.
“We want to make sure the air systems and water systems are free from any potential mold or bacteria,” Tatum said, adding that parents are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
The cause of Pennington’s illness appears to have been linked to a rapid onset of symptoms, which included fever. “She just kept sending us emails, saying ‘Hey, I have a fever, let’s move our conferences,’” Tatum recalled. “It was only a matter of a few days before she passed away, and as a mom, you don’t think anything like this could happen.”
District leaders have stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and they are committed to ensuring the safety of both students and staff. As the investigation continues, the community is left with many questions, but parents like Tatum remain hopeful that the situation will be thoroughly addressed.
“We’re just riding it out until the beginning of the year, and we have faith they will take care of it and do what needs to be done,” Tatum said.
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