Urgent TB Outbreak in Edmonton: 12 Cases Confirmed, Teams Mobilized

URGENT UPDATE: Alberta health officials have ramped up contact tracing efforts following a significant tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Edmonton’s inner-city population. As of October 2023, 12 cases have been identified, sharply exceeding the typical three to four annual cases usually recorded.

Dr. Chris Sikora, Edmonton Zone Lead Medical Officer of Health, confirmed that three of these cases share the same TB strain, raising concerns about local transmission. “We have expanded our team to include more of our social-serving community agencies to help enable people to get access to the tests that are needed to see if they have TB,” Dr. Sikora stated during an interview with CTV News Edmonton on October 6, 2023.

The expanded contact tracing teams are crucial for tracking and investigating potential cases of this infectious disease. Efforts are being coordinated through emergency departments and other branches of health services, including shelters and social agencies that are working to connect affected individuals with necessary healthcare services.

On October 5, 2023, Primary Care Alberta (PCA) revealed that testing confirmed two individuals were infected with the same TB strain, indicating possible local transmission. Health officials stress that TB is a “preventable and curable infectious disease” primarily affecting the lungs and treated with antibiotics.

Despite the rising cases, Dr. Sikora reassured the public, stating, “The risk to the general Edmonton population is very low.” He urged anyone experiencing a cough lasting more than two weeks to seek medical advice. Testing could provide critical information for those potentially affected.

Individuals with questions or concerns regarding TB can reach out to the Edmonton TB clinic at (780) 407-4550, or contact Alberta Health Link at 811, or consult with a physician.

As this situation develops, health officials are urging the community to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking information and testing for TB. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.