Tuberculosis outbreak declared in Pond Inlet
Hamlet has 5 active cases and 22 latent cases, health department reports
A tuberculosis outbreak has been declared in Pond Inlet by Nunavut’s Department of Health. (File photo by David Venn)
An outbreak of tuberculosis has been declared in Pond Inlet.
The Department of Health announced Friday in a news release it declared the outbreak due to an increase in active cases in the community.
There are currently five active cases of tuberculosis and 22 latent cases reported in the hamlet of about 1,500 people.
Anyone who has been exposed to tuberculosis or who has symptoms should visit a health centre for screening, the health department advised.
Symptoms of active tuberculosis are:
- Cough lasting more than three weeks;
- Loss of appetite;
- Fever or night sweats; and
- Feeling very tired.
Tuberculosis is treatable and medications are available.
Representatives from the Department of Health will continue providing support and resources to Pond Inlet to ensure community members have access to testing, education, treatment and support, according to the release.
Pangnirtung has had an outbreak of TB since November 2021, and case numbers there continue to grow, the health department reported recently.
(0) Comments