Tuberculosis outbreak update: Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Naujaat

Press Release

November 26, 2024

The Department of Health is advising that the outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) declared in Pangnirtung on November 25, 2021, Pond Inlet on March 17, 2023, and Naujaat on May 16, 2023, are ongoing.

• In Pangnirtung, 47 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 222 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2021 and October 31, 2024.
• In Pond Inlet, 12 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 101 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2023 and October 31, 2024.
• In Naujaat, 26 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 147 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2023 and October 31, 2024.

The above latent TB counts include only new diagnoses. Case counts in previous tuberculosis outbreak update PHAs included people who had a prior latent TB diagnosis.

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
HEACommunications@gov.nu.ca

IHT5