Toronto reported 375 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, marking the highest number of infections since 2002, according to Toronto Public Health (TPH).
The sharp rise in TB cases highlights persistent public health challenges, particularly in marginalized communities, as a new report from Stop TB Canada underscores barriers to treatment across the country.
Dr. Elizabeth Rea, Toronto’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, emphasized the global and national impact of TB, calling it a serious yet preventable disease.
TB, a highly infectious airborne disease, spreads through coughing, sneezing, or spitting by infected individuals. While it is curable with proper treatment, 1.25 million people worldwide died from the disease in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous and Newcomer Communities
Certain populations in Canada face higher risks of contracting TB. According to Statistics Canada (2022):
- The national TB rate was 5.1 cases per 100,000 people
- Inuit populations had the highest rate at 136.7 per 100,000
- First Nations communities had a rate of 21.4 per 100,000
- Newcomers to Canada, particularly from South-East Asia, had a rate of 14.4 per 100,000
Public health officials stress the importance of early detection, improved access to treatment, and targeted support for high-risk groups to curb the spread of the disease.
With TB cases reaching a 22-year high, experts urge continued investment in prevention strategies and greater awareness to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.