Iqaluit (Sep 13/04) - Although 21 people have been reported to have tuberculosis (TB) in Nunavut this year, the territory's tuberculosis consultant said the disease is under control.

"We're concerned, but the trend has been downward," said Elaine Randell, who is filling in for Priya Gaba, Nunavut's TB specialist.

Elaine Randell, acting territorial Tuberculosis (TB) consultant, said the risk factors for contracting TB are higher in the North. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

This year the disease infected 10 people in Iqaluit, seven in Arviat and four in Cape Dorset.

In 2000, there were 48 cases, 2001 saw 40 cases and 2002, 27. The disease is "cyclical" so rates can vary widely, but last year there were just seven cases reported in Nunavut.

The cause, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, thrives in over-crowded living conditions, and places where ventilation is poor -- factors all too common in Nunavut, Randell said.

TB can infect any part of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, spine and brain.

Warning signs are a fever, night sweats, a cough that lasts more than two weeks, and loss of appetite.

Tuberculosis of the lungs causes a chest pain and a nagging cough that lasts more than two weeks. An infected patient may cough phlegm and blood.

TB is highly contagious and can be spread by infected persons who cough, spit or even talk.

"We have a large pool of people here who we know were infected in the 1950s. About a third of the population," said Randell.

People who tend to have weaker immune systems than the general population, including children, elders and people with HIV/AIDS are more at risk.

The average age of the TB sufferer this year in Nunavut was 40 years of age.

Randell said a confidentially agreement with patients prevents her from revealing whether or not anyone has died of TB in Nunavut since 1999.

The department of health and social services is releasing a document titled "The Nunavut TB Elimination and Control Manual" at the end of September to be given to every health centre in Nunavut to help them cope with any new cases they may see.