Arviat tuberculosis outbreak update
Press Release
April 29, 2025
The Department of Health is advising that the outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) declared in Arviat on February 11, 2025, is ongoing.
Since January 2025, fewer than five individuals have been diagnosed with active TB and 12 individuals have been diagnosed with latent TB since this outbreak was declared in the community.
The phased community-focused screening began with testing immediate contacts, household members, and other high-risk individuals. The next phase included focused screening of past active and latent cases.
Starting this week and going into June, there will be a TB screening clinic at the Arviat Hamlet office to facilitate screening of more community members. As a part of this current phase, the Department of Health will be asking Arviarmiut who are between the ages of 13-40 to come to the clinic at the Hamlet office to get tested. Everyone will get the opportunity to know their TB status as the focused screening progresses.
TB testing is just like any other health check-up. It doesn’t mean you have TB but instead shows that you care about your health and about your community. The only way to stop TB transmission is through early detection and treatment. TB is treatable with medications available in Arviat. Latent TB is not contagious but is treated to prevent it from becoming active.
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.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A fever or night sweats.
Anyone with these symptoms should go to the health centre as soon as possible for screening.
The Department of Health is continuing 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. If you have any questions, please call the health centre.
Contact
Charmaine Deogracias
Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
heacommunications@gov.nu.ca
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