March 23, 2011 - World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, increases public awareness that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world.

The rate of TB in the NWT is four to five times the national average – with about 30 per cent of NWT residents who have latent TB infections in their bodies which usually remains inactive and not a risk to the public. TB rates are highest among the Aboriginal population.

“TB is a curable disease if caught in time,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Sandy Lee. “Ongoing education and awareness about TB in the NWT are critical components for early diagnosis, and taking opportunities to treat the infection rather than the disease will eliminate future spread of this disease.”

The Department of Health and Social Services continues to be proactive in its territory-wide TB campaign, “Think TB”. The campaign targets both health care providers and the public to be vigilant in getting TB testing and treatment. The Department also ensures that all NWT health centres have the most current information about TB and how to prevent its spread.

For more information about tuberculosis and how it is spread, visit the Department of Health and Social Services website at www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca.

For more information, contact:

Umesh Sutendra
Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-3368