Legionella bacteria found in school water supply

A school has been temporarily closed after Legionella bacteria were found in the water supply.

Hazeley Academy in Milton Keynes was shut and parents were asked to collect their children on Wednesday, after a routine water supply test detected the microorganism.

It is expected to reopen on 23 September pending an investigation to confirm it is safe to do so.

A spokesperson for the school said: "While it is a low risk, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, and visitors."

According to the NHS, people who breathe in droplets of water containing the bacteria could get Legionnaires' disease - a serious lung infection.

Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, chest pain and a high temperature.

It is understood there are currently no reported cases of illness at the school.

Hazeley Academy will only reopen once the water supply has been tested again.

Students will continue to learn using Microsoft Teams while the building is closed.

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