Legionella Outbreak Resolved: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne Boarding School Reopens Early
The boarding school at Paul Héroult High School in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne has reopened its doors, much to the relief of its 190 students and their families. The facility had been closed since September 25th due to elevated levels of Legionella bacteria detected in the water system.
The initial closure was projected to last until November 2nd, but swift action by regional health authorities, the Rectorate, and the Regional Council allowed for an earlier reopening on October 6th.
Rapid Response and Remediation
The Rectorate of the Grenoble Academy outlined the measures taken to address the Legionella issue:
* Water System Treatment: Chlorine was introduced into the water circuit, and the water temperature was raised to 70°C to eliminate the bacteria.
* Point-of-Use Protection: Antibacterial filters were installed on shower faucets to prevent future contamination.
* Student Support: During the closure, twelve boarding students were accommodated at the Ferrié general vocational high school in Saint-Michel de Maurienne. Free regional bus service was provided in the Haute-Maurienne valley, with an additional round trip added to the schedule.
Phased Reopening
With the approval of the Regional Health Agency (ARS), the boarding school initially reopened to first-year and final-year boarding students on October 6th. A full reopening for all students was scheduled for October 8th.
A Sigh of Relief for Families
The unexpected closure had presented significant challenges for students and their families, particularly those living far from the school.
“I think we can really talk about relief,” said Marjorie, whose 14-year-old daughter is a boarder at Paul Héroult High School.
Julia, a first-year student in the Early Childhood Education Support CAP program, lives in La Léchère, more than an hour’s drive from the school. Her mother explained the difficulties:
“No bus, no means of transport adapted to La Léchère, my daughter had not been able to go to class in Saint-Jean-de Maurienne since September 25th and there was almost no online course transmission, no videoconferencing courses, so it was very complicated.”
She further emphasized the importance of in-person learning for her daughter’s program:
“All the practical side of this CAP was impossible to do at home anyway, so we were very worried and it’s really very good that it doesn’t last until November 3rd.”
Ensure safety and compliance — protect your water systems effectively with Tempivo.
