Public Health Alert – World TB Day, March 24th
Situation
Each year we take this day to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to advance efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
The average annual incidence of TB in our catchment area over the last 5 years is 6.9 active cases per 100,000. We had 8 active cases in 2023 with an average of 33.2 latent TB cases followed up each year (2019-2023).
The Northwestern Health Unit provides all TB and LTBI medication free of charge. We can also help connect heath care providers with an Infectious Disease Specialist, set up translation services, and work collaboratively with providers and clients to assist with symptom monitoring and medication compliance.
Issue
Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases worldwide, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries. While the rates of active TB in Canada are among the lowest in the world, Indigenous Peoples and Canadians born in countries where TB is more common continue to be disproportionately impacted.
Actions requested
- Consider TB as a diagnosis in those with compatible symptoms
- Notify us as soon as you suspect a case of active TB. Cases of active TB and LTBI are reportable and must be reported to the NWHU. Reporting information can be found on our website.
- Visit our TB Information for Health Care Professionals page to watch our 2023 TB webinar with Dr. Yoko Schrieber.
- Ensure you are using the newest, 8th edition Canadian TB Standards that were released in 2022.
Together, YES! We can end TB
Contact:
Sandra Krikke, RN
Manager, Infectious Diseases
Northwestern Health Unit
skrikke@nwhu.on.ca