Bacteria is found in school water supply
A STRAIN of bacteria which can cause potentially fatal Legionnaire's disease has been found in the water supply at an Islington secondary school.
Traces of Legionella bacteria were found in the water at Islington Arts and Media School (IAMS), in Turle Road, Finsbury Park, earlier this month.
But Islington Council has moved to quash rumours that a female humanities teacher was taken ill with Legionnaire's disease, saying there have been "no increased absences" at the school.
One parent, from Manor House, who has a 15-year-old son at the school, said: "They checked the water system and found two dead pigeons in the water tank. They had to put a load of chemicals in to clean up the water. It's disgusting. They should have informed the parents and closed the school as soon as they found out."
The Health Protection Agency confirmed it had received no reported cases of Legionnaire's disease at IAMS.
Symptoms of the water-borne disease commonly include a fever, chills and coughing.
An Islington Council spokeswoman said: "All schools have regular monthly checks on their water supplies to make sure there is no risk to staff or pupils. The last one revealed traces of Legionella bacteria caused by fouling in water tanks - possibly by pigeons. These were promptly treated with chlorine. There was no need to close the school.
"As a precaution - and until the location and access to water tanks is improved by next year's building works - a chlorination dioxide unit has been installed to prevent any reoccurrence.
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