GNU: Pangnirtung tuberculosis update

27 February 2023

The Department of Health is advising that the outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) declared in Pangnirtung on November 25, 2021, is ongoing.

Since January 2021, there have been 39 individuals diagnosed with active TB and 167 individuals diagnosed with latent TB in the community.

Community members who have been exposed to an active TB case, or who have TB symptoms, should visit the health centre for screening. The following are symptoms of active TB:

• A cough that lasts longer than three weeks.
• Feeling very tired.
• Loss of appetite.
• A fever or night sweats.

Anyone with these symptoms should go to the health centre as soon as possible for screening. TB is a treatable disease with medications available within your community. If you have any questions, please contact your local health centre.

Latent TB is not contagious but is treated to prevent it from becoming active. The Department of Health will continue to provide support and resources to the community to ensure access to adequate testing, education, treatment, and support.

To learn more about TB and TB treatments, please visit www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/tuberculosis.

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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