Legionnaires' Scare At Dania Beach School
DANIA BEACH (CBS4) - Parents at Olson Middle School in Dania Beach are being told to keep an eye on their kids after someone at the school was diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease.
Broward School's spokesperson Nadine Drew said the infected person is not a student.
A robocall was placed to parents on Tuesday which said: "This message is to inform you that there has been a reported case of Legionnaires' Disease at Olsen Middle School. We are working with the Health Department and the school district staff regarding this issue and are taking every precaution to ensure that our school remains a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
Drew told CBS4 News that bottled water was distributed to students and teachers in an effort to contain the disease, which is spread by breathing in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires' Disease mimics many of the same symptoms of the flu including a high fever, chills, and a cough. Some people experience muscle aches and headaches.
Some parents leaving the school Tuesday night said they have no worries.
"No concerns," said April LeClair. "Everything's under control. There's no problem."
Other parents said the news makes them concerned about the health of their kids.
"I'm kind of afraid," Felicia Williams told CBS 4's Carey Codd. "I asked my daughter has anybody in the class been sick today. She said a few people so I might keep her home a few days."
Dr. Nabil El Sanadi is the Chief of Emergency Medicine at Broward Health. He said Legionnaire's disease grows in still pools of water and it mainly affects older people with chronic lung problems. He said people should be aware of the dangers but not alarmed.
"It is something that is not lethal if it's caught early and treated appropriately," Dr. El Sanadi said.
Parents who have concerns are urged to call the school.
