No further TB cases identified in Yellowknife so far, says GNWT

The NWT government says a tuberculosis outbreak declared in Yellowknife earlier this week remains at two cases so far.

Even so, the territory’s health authority said Yellowknife Public Health would remain “on reduced services until further notice” to ensure the system has capacity if the outbreak worsens.

An exposure notice remains in place for people who were at Stanton Territorial Hospital’s emergency room for a period on June 19. Anyone who believes they may be affected should call 811.

The GNWT has said that notice was issued “for precautionary reasons only” and has sought to reassure residents that most people needn’t worry.

“Most people exposed to someone with TB never get infected or go on to develop disease,” the territory stated earlier this week.

Symptoms can include a cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain and bloody sputum.

Some health services have been reduced in response to a TB concern since Friday last week. The outbreak was announced on Wednesday this week.

“As of July 5 at 1:50pm, there are still only two confirmed cases in Yellowknife. Public Health continues its contact tracing operations and there are no further updates at this time,” a Department of Health and Social Services spokesperson stated by email.

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