Nunavut's TB battle continues with 42 new cases this year

There have been 42 cases of tuberculosis in Nunavut so far this year, in 11 different communities.

Most of the infections have been in the Kivalliq and Baffin regions. Officials won't say where exactly because they say they don't want to "stigmatize individual communities."

"You really need to be aware of the symptoms of TB, and the symptoms are coughing for three weeks or more, with or without sputum. Loss of appetite. Losing weight,"  says Elaine Randell, a communicable disease consultant with Nunavut's Department of Health.

Tuberculosis symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats. The disease is contagious and can be fatal but is treatable with antibiotics.  

Health officials ask anyone with symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.