N.L., Canada: More cases of TB suspected in Hopedale

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.thelabradorian.ca/news/regional/2016/9/27/more-cases-of-tb-suspected-in-hopedale.html

More cases of TB suspected in Hopedale
TC Media - Happy Valley-Goose Bay and The Telegram telegram@thetelegram.com Published on September 27, 2016

Labrador-Grenfell Health is investigating three suspected cases of tuberculosis in Hopedale. This follows three people being diagnosed with the disease in the last year, once in the last month

?We would like the public to know that Labrador-Grenfell Health is conducting a thorough process of contact tracing to identify persons who have been in close contact with individuals who have TB to determine if they are at risk for exposure to the infection,? said Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health in a press release...

 

[Pathfinder]

For Immediate Release
Sept. 27, 2016

Labrador-Grenfell Health Investigating
Tuberculosis in Hopedale

Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Labrador-Grenfell Health advises the public that Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be
the focus of investigations in the community of Hopedale, Labrador. Two residents of the community were
diagnosed with TB earlier this year and a third individual was diagnosed earlier this month. In addition,
Labrador-Grenfell Health is investigating three suspected cases of TB in the community.

?We would like the public to know that Labrador-Grenfell Health is conducting a thorough process of contact
tracing to identify persons who have been in close contact with individuals who have TB to determine if they
are at risk for exposure to the infection,? said Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Management of the cases currently under investigation is being coordinated through a team approach
involving Labrador-Grenfell Health, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Nunatsiavut Public Health and the
Department of Health and Community Services.

Labrador-Grenfell Health is awaiting laboratory results of samples from individuals who are suspected of
contracting TB to verify the diagnosis. They have been placed on treatment.

?The information we are providing at this time is aimed at informing the public that a considerable amount of
work is being done by public health officials on these investigations,? said Dr. Allison. ?Public health officials
wish to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm. We thank residents of Hopedale for the cooperation
they have shown in the contact tracing process.?

Close contacts are individuals who have had regular, prolonged contact with a person who tests positive for
TB. Individuals who have not been contacted are not considered a close contact.

The TB case count is updated on the Labrador-Grenfell Health website on a regular basis. For more
information about TB, visit www.lghealth.ca or call the HealthLine at 811.

...
http://www.lghealth.ca/index.php?pageid=20