Labrador-Grenfell Health Investigating Tuberculosis in Hopedale

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.