Legionnaires' disease targeted by treating water system at Dartmouth site

The province started to tackle what it believes to be the source of an outbreak of legionnaires' disease at a Dartmouth apartment building.

A spokeswoman for the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services said Friday that the hot water system at Alderney Manor is being treated with "copper-silver ion unit" to kill bacteria.

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"Next week, treatment will be done on the cold water system with hyper-chlorination. This will disrupt water service for residents," Lori Errington said in an email.

The treatment poses no risk to tenants, she said.

"We're doing our best to reduce the impact on residents and hope to complete treatment next week. Staff also set up a comfort area with snacks where tenants can wait while their units are flushed."

Errington said bottled water is being distributed to residents and restrictions on showering will remain in place until the Nova Scotia medical officer of health is satisfied the treatment has been effective.

"We know it has been upsetting and inconvenient. Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents. We are encouraged that nobody else has gotten sick," Errington said.

Last week, air conditioners were ruled out as a source of legionnaires' disease at the 200-unit building located at 1 Alderney Dr.

There have been three confirmed cases at the site. Legionella lives in water and is contracted by breathing in water mist.

Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and diarrhea. It's more common among older people and in 15 per cent of cases, it can be fatal.