Edmonton Tackles Tuberculosis Outbreak in Homeless Shelters, Emphasizes Social Determinants

As of 2025-11-15T18:50:46+00:00, Alberta's health authorities have been quietly dealing with a tuberculosis outbreak in Edmonton's shelter system that was declared last month. According to Dr. Ryan Cooper, the head of Alberta's tuberculosis clinic, the "risk of this outbreak spreading to the general population is extremely low," as most of the cases appear to be the result of reactivation rather than transmission within the inner-city.

The provincial government has been working closely with primary care providers to ensure adequate resources are available in the shelter system. Jason Nixon, the minister of assisted living and social services, acknowledged the efforts to address the outbreak. However, details about the outbreak, including the specific date of declaration, have only recently been made public.

Social worker Andre Tinio, who recently recovered from a severe case of tuberculosis, highlights the challenges faced by homeless individuals in managing the intrusive treatment regimen. Tinio's infection affected his colon, appendix, two vertebrae, and lungs, underscoring the serious nature of the disease. He worries about the impact of such a diagnosis on Edmontonians without stable housing, as they must also prioritize their basic needs like food and mental health while complying with the demanding treatment.

Experts emphasize that improving social determinants of health, such as housing and nutrition, will be crucial in preventing and managing tuberculosis outbreaks among vulnerable populations. The City of Edmonton is working under the direction of the province to address the current outbreak.