Tuberculosis outbreak updates: Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Naujaat and Arviat

Press Release

April 2, 2025

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, Naujaat on May 16, 2023, and Arviat on February 11, 2025, are ongoing.

• In Pangnirtung, 47 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 223 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2021 and March 26, 2025.
• In Pond Inlet, 13 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 116 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2023 and March 26, 2025.
• In Naujaat, 27 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 155 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2023 and March 26, 2025.
• In Arviat, 2 individuals were diagnosed with active TB and 8 individuals were diagnosed with new latent TB between January 2025 and March 26, 2025.

The above latent TB counts include only new diagnoses. Most individuals have completed treatment; however, a small group are currently undergoing it.

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.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• 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 communities 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

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

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