Active TB found in two staff at Toronto shelter, testing and education underway.

TORONTO -- Finding two cases of active tuberulosis at a men's shelter prompted the Toronto Department of Health to set up testing among staff and clients in the city's downtown male and co-ed shelters and drop-in centres.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. David McKeown reported the identification of two active TB cases among staff at the Salvation Army's Maxwell Meighen men's shelter. Four other staff at this shelter recently tested positive on TB skin tests. The strain of TB is the same as one previously identified in the shelter system over a period of the past three years.

According to Dr. McKeown. "Finding cases among shelter staff is a signal that transmission of the disease has occurred and there is a risk of infection circulating among this population. It is now necessary to launch a testing program to prevent and control the spread of the disease."

The two staff were healthy individuals who received treatment early and do not pose a risk of exposing others. "Early identification and treatment is essential in fighting TB and preventing transmission to others. While the risk of transmission is low, people who are homeless and under-housed are particularly vulnerable to illness, and testing for active cases is a necessary precaution."

Sputum testing has begun and include son-site education for staff and clients at shelters.

An average of 350 to 400 TB cases are reported in Toronto each year, with about 10 to 15 of these occurring among the homeless and underhoused population.