School caretaker has Legionnaires

Inspectors decided there was no reason to close the school

A primary school caretaker has fallen ill with Legionnaires' disease.

The Health Protection Agency is trying to trace the source of the infection and has looked at Stetchford Primary School, Birmingham, where he worked.

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said HPA inspectors had carried out tests at the school and concluded it was safe to remain open.

Parents have been informed of the situation. The Agency is looking for other sources of the disease.

In a statement the HPA said: "This is an isolated case of Legionnaires' disease.

"We are investigating all possible sources to see where this man acquired his infection.

"The school where he works will be one line of enquiry but alongside any other places he visits regularly."

There had been 16 cases of Legionnaires' disease reported in the Birmingham and Solihull area so far this year, he added.

All ages can be affected by Legionnaires' disease but it is rare in people younger than 20.