Tuberculosis outbreak in Arviat

Press Release

February 11, 2025

The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Nunavut is notifying Arviat residents of an evolving outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) that has required immediate actions to stop further spread and safeguard the health of the community over the long term.

The CPHO and the Department of Health are working diligently to ensure the well-being of all Arviat residents. While the number of cases remains low, the Department of Health is committed to staying ahead of any potential spread and ensuring the continued safety of everyone in the community.

A comprehensive and strategic response plan is already underway. This proactive approach began with testing immediate contacts, household members, and other high-risk individuals. The next phase includes targeted screening to identify any additional cases and ensure all necessary follow-up measures are taken. This method is designed to ensure no cases are overlooked. The health centre will reach out to individuals based on their risk level and call them in for testing.

The Department of Health asks for your patience as the teams carefully work through the process in the appropriate order. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and support these proactive measures. Early intervention is essential to quickly identify cases, provide care, and reduce risks.

If you have been exposed to an active TB case or are experiencing symptoms, such as a cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, loss of appetite, or fever, please call the health center at 867-857-3100 regarding screening.

TB is treatable, and medications are readily available. While TB is primarily spread through prolonged exposure in confined spaces, casual interactions in public spaces pose minimal risk. People with active TB are no longer contagious after treatment.

Preventive treatment is also available for those with latent TB, which is not contagious but can become active if untreated. Getting tested is encouraged to ensure early intervention.

The Department of Health will continue to provide resources, education, and support to the community. If you have any questions, please contact your local health center.

Contact

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

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