P.E.I. health officials keeping an eye on rising cases of tuberculosis – CBC

Chief public health officer expects cases to continue

Apr 13, 2024

Cases of tuberculosis are rising on P.E.I. just as they are elsewhere in the country, according to health officials.

There were five active cases on P.E.I. last year, and about 100 inactive cases. That compares to the previous five years, when there were up to four active cases and 72 inactive cases.

Inactive — or latent — cases have no symptoms and aren’t contagious. Symptoms of active cases include a bad cough, chest pain and fever.

TB mainly causes symptoms in the lungs and airways, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

First Nations, Inuit, immigrant and refugee communities have higher rates, statistics show. Some arrive on P.E.I. from countries where tuberculosis is more common.

P.E.I. health officials keeping an eye on rising cases of tuberculosis – CBC

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