2 tuberculosis cases in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal public health investigating

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Two cases of pulmonary tuberculosis have been confirmed in Montreal’s east end Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough since last October.

According to Montreal’s public health department, the two individuals infected presented risk factors for marginalization, “including homelessness, substance use, in particular crack, frequented crack houses and sex work.”

Public health says it is investigating the possibility that these cases are linked to a previous outbreak of tuberculosis that occurred between 2003 and 2016 in Montreal and the surrounding area.

“Both cases had a high infectivity profile, meaning positive smears and lung cavities. There was a delay between the onset of pulmonary symptoms and the diagnosis for these cases, including an almost six-month delay for one,” authorities said.

Public health notes that contact tracing for the two cases will prove challenging and will most likely be incomplete, increasing the likelihood of more cases.

Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include a persistent cough lasting upwards of three weeks with phlegm, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, chest pains and unexplained weight loss.

It is a contagious illness that spreads through the air when a person breathes, speaks or coughs.

Tuberculosis can be cured by taking antibiotics.