Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Last week, Madison County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Pickles reported that preliminary test results at Madison County High School (MCHS) showed "microbial growth" to be present. But now this has turned out to be a case of aspergillus mold at both MCHS and in a few areas of Madison County Central School. This, according to a statement released by the Madison County District School Board on Friday, July 18. The situation came as a result of high humidity, which is common during summer months in North Florida, and the fact that chillers for the air conditioning units are being replaced. No mold had been reported at the school at the end of June, Dr. Pickles stated.
Exposure to aspergillum mold can cause an infection called “aspergillosis.” According to the Mayo Clinic, this usually affects the respiratory system, but “signs and severity vary greatly.” While most strains of the mold are harmless, a few can cause illness, especially for those people with “weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma.” For some, the mold can trigger an allergic reaction while others may develop lung infections that can be mild, or more serious. The Mayo Clinic states that, “the most serious form of aspergillosis - invasive aspergillosis - occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond.” Treatment for aspergillosis varies, depending on the type of aspergillosis, may involve “observation, anti fungal medications or, in rare cases, surgery.”
The statement from the School Board states that, “during a planned chiller replacement at both schools, increased humidity from weather changes led to mold growth in some carpeted areas that had not yet been deep-cleaned. Air was still circulating, but without full climate control, conditions allowed growth to occur.
“The mold was limited to carpets only—no growth was found on walls, floors, or hard surfaces. Upon discovery, the district immediately contacted its insurance provider and accelerated testing and remediation efforts of the affected areas.
Superintendent Dr. Pickles has been in contact with the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and has requested further support by FDOE for inspection. The District’s insurance carrier and the district [are] investing approximately $300,000 to ensure a safe learning environment—our top priority.”
As of press time, 60 percent of the first phase of clean-up and mold eradication was complete, with the first phase expected to be completed by Wednesday, July 23, when further testing is set to be conducted. Dr. Pickles stated that both the Health Department and the FDOE feel the Madison County School District was “on top of the situation.”