Latent TB needs monitoring in Inuit patients: ITK

Active tuberculosis, a huge problem in Canada's North, is being monitored by health officials, however, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Committee on Health is calling for more attention to be paid to latent tuberculosis infections.

Gail Turner, the chair of the committee says that people with latent tuberculosis aren't sick. But, tracking them is just as important.

"They are at risk of developing tuberculosis if they don't take treatment or look after their health," said Turner.

Nunavut's Health Department would also like to highlight the issue. Currently, the department keeps a tally of the number of people with active tuberculosis, and monitors their drug treatment. There are no specific numbers on the latent cases in the territory.

The department screens high risk groups, like children and the homeless. Only some of these people qualify for drug treatment, and it's not clear what percentage of them finish the course of treatment.

The treatment for active tuberculosis is successful as these patients are monitored by the department. Approximately 98 per cent of people with active tuberculosis in the territory complete their treatment.

Dr. Isaac Sobol, the chief medical officer of health for Nunavut, said that a new electronic record system would help them better track cases of latent infection.

The department said that people with latent tuberculosis have about a 10 per cent chance of developing the active form of the illness. However, that statistic applies to patients who are vigilant with their care and nutrition levels.

Turner said that among Inuit, health care and nutrition levels are below those found in other parts of Canada. Analysis by the Public Health Agency of Canada showed that the infection rate among Inuit is 185 times greater than non-aboriginal Canadians.

According to Turner, that means more people could develop active tuberculosis over the years, and she doesn't want them to fall through the system.

"Keeping in touch with these people is really important," said Turner.