BATAVIA – Batavia School District 101 Superintendent Jack Barshinger told parents in an email Thursday the district has detected traces of Legionella bacteria at Alice Gustafson Elementary School/Early Childhood Center, Batavia High School and Hoover-Wood Elementary School. It was discovered while conducting water quality analyses.

But he downplayed any health risk.

“Legionella bacteria are commonly found in water and water fixtures,” Barshinger said in the email. “In very rare circumstances, these bacteria may cause Legionnaires’ disease in people with compromised immune systems. After consulting with the Kane County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, I was assured that the possibility of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is extremely low.”