Provincial health authorities in Edmonton have confirmed a tuberculosis outbreak in the city center following lab tests that revealed two residents were infected with the same strain of the disease. Primary Care Alberta (PCA) made the announcement in a recent news release, indicating that the outbreak declaration was made last month upon receiving the test results.
According to PCA, the lab results indicated a recent local transmission of the infectious disease, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts. The agency, responsible for primary health services in the province, has identified a total of 12 tuberculosis cases this year related to central Edmonton and individuals experiencing homelessness. Among these cases, three individuals with the same strain are considered part of the outbreak.
Factors such as living in communal settings, including homeless shelters, can elevate the risk of tuberculosis transmission. Despite the outbreak, PCA assured that there is currently no threat to the general public. Contact tracing efforts are underway, with the health agency reaching out to potentially exposed individuals.
PCA, in collaboration with medical officers of health from Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, is actively engaging with inner-city agencies and organizations to provide information, support, and conduct assessments and screenings for close contacts.