Tuberculosis in Pangnirtung grows slightly

Outbreak in east Baffin community ongoing

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Pangnirtung

Nunavut’s Department of Health issued an update on the Pangnirtung tuberculosis (TB) outbreak.

As of Feb. 27, 2023, there have been 39 individuals with active tuberculosis and 167 individuals diagnosed with latent tuberculosis in the community since Jan. 2021.

In a previous May 26, 2022 update, there were 31 with active TB and 108 with latent TB, representing an increase from earlier last year.

An outbreak in the community has been declared since late Nov. 2021 to manage cases amid growing numbers of those with tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a treatable disease with medications available. Residents in the hamlet who may have been exposed to an active tuberculosis case or have active symptoms are asked to go to the health centre for screening.

The symptoms of active TB include, an extended cough lasting longer than three weeks; feeling very tired; loss of appetite; and fever or night sweats.

The tuberculosis outbreak in Pangnirtung is still ongoing.