Tuberculosis outbreaks in 3 Nunavut communities still ongoing years later

Outbreak of Tuberculosis in Nunavut Communities Continues to Persist

An outbreak of tuberculosis in three Nunavut communities is ongoing, with some cases stretching over several years, according to the territory’s Department of Health.

The department officially declared an outbreak in Pangnirtung on November 25, 2021, Pond Inlet on March 17, 2023, and Naujaat on May 16, 2023.

The latest press release from the department provided updated case numbers for each of the affected communities:

– In Pangnirtung, there have been a total of 47 active TB diagnoses and 222 new latent cases reported from January 2021 to October 31, 2024.

– In Pond Inlet, 12 residents were diagnosed with active tuberculosis and 101 with new latent tuberculosis from January 2023 to October 31, 2024.

– In Naujaat, 26 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 147 with new latent TB from January 2023 to October 2024.

The Department of Health is urging anyone experiencing symptoms or who has been in close contact with an active TB case to seek screening at a local health center. Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, or night sweats.

It is important to note that latent TB is not contagious but should still be treated to prevent it from becoming active. The department assures that medications for treatment are readily available in the affected communities.