Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Naujaat TB Outbreak Update

August 1, 2024

The Department of Health is advising that the outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) declared in Pangnirtung, on November 25, 2021, Pond Inlet, on March 17, 2023, and Naujaat, on May 16, 2023, are ongoing.

Community	Inclusion Period	Active TB	Latent TB
Pangnirtung	January 1, 2021 – Present	48	278
Pond Inlet	January 1, 2023 – Present	12	106
Naujaat	January 1, 2023 – Present	23	153

The majority of people with latent TB have undergone, or are undergoing treatment, and more than half of those with active TB are still undergoing treatment.

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 treatments, please visit the Government of Nunavut website.

Contact

Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email

NT4