Tuberculosis Outbreak in Pangnirtung
Public Health Advisory
Tuberculosis Outbreak in Pangnirtung
The Chief Public Health Officer is advising the residents of Pangnirtung that due to a recent increase in the number of active tuberculosis (TB) cases in the community, the Department of Health is declaring an outbreak of tuberculosis.
Until recently Health staff had been able to establish definitive links between all cases in Pangnirtung and manage the situation with usual public health follow-ups. However, the growing number of cases and the challenges in establishing how or where all the cases were exposed suggest that enhanced public health follow-up of the situation is necessary. Therefore, the situation is being declared an outbreak as of November 25, 2021.
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;
- feel very tired;
- have lost your appetite;
- have a fever or are experiencing 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.
The Department of Health will continue to provide support and resources to the community to ensure access to adequate testing, education, treatment and support.
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Media Contact:
Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email