Cases of tuberculosis are rising on P.E.I. just as they are elsewhere in the country, according to health officials.
There were five active cases on P.E.I. last year, and about 100 inactive cases. That compares to the previous five years, when there were up to four active cases and 72 inactive cases.
Inactive — or latent — cases have no symptoms and aren’t contagious. Symptoms of active cases include a bad cough, chest pain and fever.
TB mainly causes symptoms in the lungs and airways, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
First Nations, Inuit, immigrant and refugee communities have higher rates, statistics show. Some arrive on P.E.I. from countries where tuberculosis is more common.
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, said the increase in TB is likely a trend.
“I do think we will continue to see more and it would not surprise me to see even more inactive tuberculosis cases diagnosed in P.E.I. in the next year,” Morrison said.
