Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet tuberculosis outbreak update

April 16, 2024

The Department of Health is advising that the outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) declared in Pangnirtung on November 25, 2021, as well as the outbreak declared in Pond Inlet on March 17, 2023, is ongoing.

Since January 2021, Pangnirtung has 48 individuals diagnosed with active TB and 276 individuals diagnosed with latent TB in the community.

Since January 2023, Pond Inlet has 13 individuals diagnosed with active TB and 105 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 treatments, please visit the Government of Nunavut website.

Contact

Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
pessoh@gov.nu.ca

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