The Nova Scotia government is weighing in after health officials admitted they are dealing with a rat problem at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.

In an emailed statement, officials at the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness say they are confident the hospital has taken all necessary precautions and the situation is under control.

On Monday, health officials said patients and staff aren’t at risk because most of the rodents are being found outside the building and haven’t come close to any patient rooms or hospital facilities.

Exterminators typically visit the site once a month, but they have been making bi-weekly visits this summer.

Officials say they are also replacing a 30-year solid waste compactor that was identified as a food source.

Christine Porter, executive director of the Aids Coalition of Cape Breton, says the rodent problem hasn’t shaken her confidence in the facility.

“Absolutely not, I mean, rodents, natural occurrence, right? Especially after the harsh winter we had,” says Porter. “And I have every faith in the regional hospital to take care of the problem.”

That sentiment is shared by Bernie Larusic, who heads up a group representing local seniors.

“It seems to be something that’s being looked after, so with that attitude, all we can do is hope that they’ll do what they say they’re going to do,” says Larusic.

The provincial Tories issued a statement on Tuesday, asking why the rodent outbreak wasn’t made public sooner.

The Cape Breton District Health Authority says it has been dealing with the problem for several weeks, and that it considers the outbreak a pest control issue, and not a sanitation issue.

They say the public would have been notified as soon as possible if patients and staff were affected by the outbreak.

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union says it has not received any complaints from employees about rodents in the workplace.

A memo has been sent to staff, asking them to report any rat sightings and to work to eliminate potential food sources.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald