Home / Health / Tuberculosis Outbreak Grips Edmonton's Homeless Population
Tuberculosis Outbreak Grips Edmonton's Homeless Population
14 Nov
Summary
- Two inner-city residents diagnosed with same TB strain
- 12 TB cases linked to central Edmonton and homelessness
- Contact tracing and screening ongoing to contain outbreak
On November 14, 2025, provincial health authorities in Alberta announced a tuberculosis outbreak in Edmonton's inner-city. The declaration came after lab tests confirmed two local residents had the same strain of the infectious disease.
According to Primary Care Alberta (PCA), a newly created provincial agency, 12 tuberculosis cases have been identified so far this year that are connected to central Edmonton and people experiencing homelessness. Three of those individuals have the same strain of TB, which suggests recent local transmission.
PCA stated the decision to declare an outbreak was made last month, once the lab results for the two Edmontonians were received. Living in communal spaces, such as homeless shelters, is a factor that can increase the risk of tuberculosis infection.
While the outbreak is not considered a risk to the general public at the moment, contact tracing is ongoing, and potentially exposed individuals will be contacted by the health agency. PCA and medical officers are also meeting regularly with inner-city organizations to share information, offer support, and assess and screen people identified as close contacts.
