Nunavut's TB battle continues with 42 new cases this year

There have been 42 cases of tuberculosis in Nunavut so farthis year, in 11 different communities.

Most of the infections have been in theKivalliqand Baffin regions. Officials won't say where exactlybecause they say they don't want to "stigmatize individual communities."

"You really need to be aware of the symptoms of TB, and the symptoms are coughing for three weeks or more,with or without sputum. Loss of appetite. Losing weight," says Elaine Randell, a communicable disease consultant with Nunavut's Department of Health.

Tuberculosis symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats. The disease is contagious and can be fatal but istreatable with antibiotics.

Health officials askanyone with symptoms to get testedas soon as possible.