One of the women diagnosed with legionnaires’ disease in Dartmouth says her biggest concern is for her neighbours.
Teralynn Stephenson was one of the five residents of Alderney Manor that contracted the illness. She says her fear heightened after hearing the news 78-year-old Beverly Roma died from legionnaires’ on Saturday.
“We didn't expect that, even though we know what could happen,” said Stephenson.
Stephenson says building owners are doing their best to accommodate residents, but feels it’s not enough.
“They are trying to do their best, you know, giving us the bottles of water and things like that,” she said. “But you know now a lady has died and this, this is fatal.”
Stephenson says she finished her antibiotics on Wednesday. While she feels she’s been kept well informed, she still has concerns.
“We don't want to take a chance,” said Stephenson. “Like, I got sick, and I didn't know how long [Legionnaires] has been in the building.”
Roma’s family expressed concern to CTV News on Wednesday, as well.
“That water's not safe, and I don't know why they're not taking people out of there until they get it fixed,” said Elta Mullins, Roma’s daughter.
Nova Scotia Health Minister Leo Glavine says there have been no new cases of legionnaires’ disease in three weeks, so he believes the steps taken have worked.
He says the hot water has been treated.
“The ionization process to do final treatment that could be in the water took place five days ago, and very shortly the cold water will be added to that process as well,” said Glavine.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority says the only restriction in place for residents of the building is not to take showers. They say that's because the disease is passed through water mist when inhaled.
A spokesperson for the health authority says it’s fine to drink the water and do things like wash dishes.
Marian Mancini, the NDP MLA for the area says she has heard the concerns and wants to see the situation resolved.
“Can we do anything to really cure this building or do we really need to look at relocating and just vacating that building?” said Mancini.
Metro Regional Housing will hold a meeting with residents at the manor Friday morninig.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jaqueline Foster.