TB case confirmed at long-term care home in Duncan, B.C.

Health officials on Vancouver Island say there's been a confirmed case of tuberculosis in Duncan and they are following up with people who may be at risk of contracting the disease.

The case of tuberculosis, or TB, was discovered at Sunridge Place, a long-term care home in Duncan, B.C.

All residents are screened for TB before moving into long-term care homes, but the disease can be tough to detect, said Dr. Paul Hasselback, a medical health officer for Island Health.

"Tuberculosis is a very complex illness in that you may be exposed to it, not develop any symptoms," he said. 

"It may manifest itself quite literally years after you were originally exposed." 

Risk of spread low

The person with TB is receiving treatment, which includes taking a combination of medications for up to a year.

Sunridge Place is home to about 160 people, but Hasselback says the risk of exposure is contained to one floor of the residence.

"The risk here is very low, given the stage of the diagnosis," he said.

"But it is prudent and not inappropriate for us to go ahead and test both staff and residents."

People who may have been exposed have been contacted by letter to recommend they have a TB test.

TB generally only spreads to people in close contact over a long period of time and does not spread through sharing clothing, dishes or drinks, Island Health said.

"Even if someone is infected, their risk of developing active disease is small and can be prevented with a course of medication which is available for free for anyone who needs it," Hasselback said.

There are about a dozen cases of TB on the island each year, he added.