Health Unit investigating tuberculosis outbreak

THUNDER BAY – Health officials in Thunder Bay are dealing with a tuberculosis outbreak that has infected four patients.

All four individuals, most of whom are homeless, are being treated with antibiotics, according to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s associated medical officer of health.

“Tuberculosis is not very contagious and requires prolonged contact with someone who is sick to be at risk of acquiring the disease,” said Emily Groot, in a release issued on Friday by the Health Unit.

“People with weakened immune systems or poor nutritional status are more likely to get infected with tuberculosis than other people.”

Symptoms of the disease, which ravaged the country in the 19th century and was the leading cause of death at the time, include a new cough, coughing up bloody sputum, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Anyone suffering from these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

The risk to the general public has been deemed extremely low, and the Health Unit continues to investigate the outbreak, identifying people who may have been exposed to the disease.

The release states further cases may be identified during the process.