Legionnaires' bug found at flats

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Higher than recommended levels of legionella bacteria were detected at St Stephens Pavilion

The bug which causes Legionnaires' Disease has been found in a block of flats on part of the site of a former hospital in Norwich.

Higher than recommended levels of legionella bacteria were detected as being present in the water at St Stephens Pavilion.

The apartments were built on part of the site of the old Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in St Stephens Road.

People living in flats have been told not to drink or bathe in the water.

Clare Corbett, operations director of Residential Management Group (RMG) - which manages the homes - said in a statement: "Following routine water testing, we can confirm that higher than recommended levels of legionella were detected as being present in the water at St Stephens Pavilion last Friday.

'Cleaning the tanks'

"Letters were immediately sent to residents alerting them of the situation.

"We arranged for contractors to clean the tanks and flush the whole system through.

"We are in regular communication with local environmental health and a subsequent water risk assessment will be conducted within 72 hours."

The firm apologised for any inconvenience or alarm the problem has caused.

Legionnaires' disease is most often contracted by inhaling mist containing the bacteria from water sources such as whirlpool baths, showers and cooling towers.

It cannot be passed from one person to another.

About 300 to 500 cases are reported each year in England with half associated with travel abroad.