Tuberculosis in Indigenous communities

Learn about tuberculosis (TB) and the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease. TB is preventable and curable.

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What is TB?

TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria spread through the air when someone with contagious TB coughs, sneezes, sings or talks. It mainly affects the lungs and airways but can also affect other parts of the body.

TB can be:

Symptoms

If you have active TB disease, you will usually feel sick with some of the following symptoms:

If you are sick with any of the above symptoms, you should see your health care provider.

Diagnosis and treatment

TB is diagnosed using a combination of tests that can include:

Both latent TB and active TB can be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, latent TB can develop into active TB. Active TB can be fatal without medical treatment.

TB and Indigenous communities

For most people in Canada, the risk of developing active TB is very low. However, the rates of active TB are higher among Indigenous peoples in Canada:

Factors that increase the chance of developing active TB

TB resources

These resources can help you raise awareness and understanding about TB and how to prevent the spread of TB.

TB is curable.

Share what you learn about TB with family and friends. Together let's stop TB!

Resources for Inuit

Resource for First Nations

Resource for Inuit and First Nations

Related links

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