Nunavut declares tuberculosis outbreak in Arviat

Nunavut's chief public health officer has declared an outbreak of tuberculosis in Arviat.

In a public health advisory Wednesday morning, the territory's health department said the situation "has required immediate actions to stop further spread and safeguard the health of the community over the long term."

In an emailed response from the health department, chief public health officer Ekua Agyemang told CBC News two cases were identified in January that had "potential multiple exposures and links across different settings." It said it has a response team on the ground screening people in the community, and will be getting staffing support from the Canadian Red Cross to help.

The hamlet on Hudson Bay is home to about 2,800 people. The department said a response plan is already underway to test immediate contacts and others living in the homes of those affected, as well as high-risk individuals in the community. It also plans to do targeted screening to identify any additional cases.

Arviat is the fourth Nunavut community to have an outbreak of tuberculosis declared in recent years. Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Naujaat have all been grappling with outbreaks as well.

Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. said the hamlet had asked Nunavut's health department for community-wide screening several times before the outbreak was declared.

"Definitely, that word 'outbreak' is a bit alarming. But rest assured, the [chief public health officer] informed us there's no need for panic," he said.

"It's just that we have to be more careful."

Savikataaq said that just before the announcement, the hamlet found out it was receiving funding from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. for a tuberculosis co-ordinator to help spread information about the illness. The hamlet is now in the process of filling that position.

Agyemang said Arviat has reported tuberculosis cases every year for the past 20 years. The declaration of an outbreak this time around came because officials were concerned some of the cases had no known links to others, Agyemang said.

"TB cases are typically connected within households or specific settings, so unlinked cases raise concern and prompt immediate action," Agyemang wrote.

Savikataaq said his advice is for people to go get tested if they are asked to.

"This is not new to us here," he said. "And we will get through this again, like we always have with anything that comes our way."

The Department of Health noted tuberculosis is treatable and medications are available. It is typically spread through prolonged exposure to an infected person in a confined space. Those with active tuberculosis are no longer contagious once they have been treated. 

Symptoms of tuberculosis include a cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, loss of appetite or fever. Those who have been exposed to an active case or are experiencing symptoms should contact their health centre.