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Newfoundland and Labrador’s health authority and the Nunatsiavut government are reporting an outbreak of tuberculosis cases in parts of northern Labrador.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) advised of an outbreak of cases within the Labrador Inuit Settlement area — but didn’t share the specific number of cases reported.
The Labrador Inuit Settlement Area covers communities including Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Nain and more.
NLHS and Nunatsiavut’s Department of Health and Social Development are identifying contacts and potential cases through contact tracing, said the statement.
Tuberculosis is spread through the air through both close and prolonged exposure. Common symptoms can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
Anyone showing symptoms should quickly be assessed by a medical team, it said. Those deemed a contact of someone with tuberculosis should also be tested, and treatment is available within the region.
Residents are also asked to take precautions, like handwashing, staying home if you feel sick and refraining from sharing smoking devices.
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