Legionella is a rare form of pneumonia

The Legionella bacteria was found in water at Glenbrook Primary School in Bilborough on Tuesday, but no pupils are thought to have been affected.

The school will reopen on Monday after temporary toilets and washing facilities are installed.

Bottled water will be provided for pupils while investigations continue into the contamination.

Airborn risk

The bacteria was discovered during routine water monitoring and further investigations are being carried out.

Alec Thompson, head of Health and Safety at Nottingham City Council, said: "Legionella doesn't pose any threat from washing or drinking.

"Problems do arise with legionella when droplets or aerosols get into the atmosphere that contain the legionella bug and they're breathed into the lungs - that's when there' s a possibility of illness occurring.

"We're confident that there's little opportunity of aerosols occurring in the outlets in the school.

"Cases of legionella in young children and young adults are extremely rare - it is an infection that is more virulent in the elderly."

Legionnella is a flu-like illness that can spread through contaminated water systems.

People become infected when they breathe in air containing legionella bacteria.

Mr Thompson also urged parents and teachers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and to seek medical attention if they are at all concerned.