A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has been declared in Edmonton’s inner-city.
The outbreak was declared on Thursday afternoon by Primary Care Alberta’s (PCA’s) tuberculosis program and the Edmonton Zone Medical Officers of Health.
Two people were confirmed to have the same strain of TB in the inner-city in October, and officials have since confirmed 12 cases to date.
Health officials say the outbreak is not considered a risk to the general public at this time and that contact tracing is being carried out and all exposed individuals will be contacted by PCA.
Cases have been connected to the inner-city and those experiencing houselessness. Of those, three have been confirmed as the same strain and are considered part of the outbreak.
The PCA and Medical Officers of Health are meeting with inner-city agencies and organizations to share information, provide support and carry out assessments and screening for those identified as having close contact.
Health officials say TB is a preventable and curable infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body. Noting it spreads through the air via coughing, sneezing, or spitting, and can be treated with antibiotics.
Anyone who would like more information regarding TB can contact the Edmonton TB clinic at 780-407-4550.