Tuberculosis case numbers continue to fall: GN

The number of tuberculosis cases reported in Nunavut continues to fall due to the combined efforts of the territorial government, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and several hamlets, the Department of Health reported in an update Monday.

Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 this year, 21 cases were detected. By comparison, throughout all of 2023 there were 67 cases and in 2024 there were 36 cases found.

These numbers demonstrate meaningful progress and prove that when communities are empowered, real change happens, said Charmaine Deogracias, the department’s communications manager, in a news release.

The territory and NTI, the representative organization of Inuit across Inuit Nunangat, are working to eliminate tuberculosis in Nunavut by 2030.

A multi-year funding commitment by NTI supports critical tuberculosis screening and prevention initiatives, which Deogracias said ensures communities have the tools, knowledge and local leadership to fight the spread of the illness.

She said community health centre staff will receive additional training and resources to promote awareness of tuberculosis prevention and screening.

Tuberculosis outbreaks reported in Pangnirtung in 2021 and Pond Inlet in 2023 were declared over in July, the release noted.

In Pangnirtung, 47 people were diagnosed with active tuberculosis and 225 others presented with new latent tuberculosis between Jan. 1, 2021, and July 3 this year.

Latent tuberculosis is not contagious but can become active if left untreated.

In Pond Inlet from Jan. 1, 2023, until July 2 this year, 13 people were diagnosed with active tuberculosis while 117 were diagnosed with new latent tuberculosis.

Ongoing outbreaks continue in Arviat and Naujaat, Deogracias said.

In Arviat, five people were diagnosed with active tuberculosis and 67 others with new latent tuberculosis this year between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31. In Naujaat, 27 were diagnosed with active tuberculosis and 159 with new latent tuberculosis between Jan. 1, 2023, and Aug. 31 this year.

The Health Department advises anyone with the following symptoms to visit a health centre immediately for screening: A cough that lasts longer than three weeks; a feeling of being very tired; a loss of appetite; or a fever or night sweats.

Tuberculosis is treatable and medications are available at community health centres, Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent tuberculosis from spreading and possibly being fatal. Preventive treatment is available to reduce this risk. Being proactive by getting tested is encouraged, Deogracias said.