Tuberculosis outbreak declared among Edmonton’s homeless population

Primary Care Alberta has declared a tuberculosis outbreak in Edmonton's inner city.

A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has been declared in Edmonton.

Primary Care Alberta (PCA) said October testing confirmed two people with TB were infected with the same strain of the disease, suggesting local transmission.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

This year there have been 12 cases of identified TB with connections to Edmonton’s homeless population, a significant increase over previous years, said PCA. Only three of these cases are confirmed to be the same strain.

Along with Primary and Preventative Health Services, PCA is regularly meeting with inner-city agencies to carry out assessments and screening for those identified as having close contact.

Contact tracing is being carried out and those exposed will be contacted by PCA.

TB primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body like the brain, spine, bones, kidneys and lymph nodes.

Symptoms include a bad cough, chest pain, weakness or tiredness, weight loss, lack of appetite, chills, fever and night sweats. It is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing or spitting. TB can be treated with antibiotics.

PCA said the outbreak is not considered to be a risk to the general public at this time.