February 2026 Board of Health Meeting - WEC Tuberculosis Management Strategy Resolution

Meeting Date

February 2026 Board of Health Meeting

Meeting Document Type

Resolution

WEC Tuberculosis Management Strategy

ISSUE/PURPOSE

As outlined in the September 2025 Information Report, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern in Windsor and Essex County (WEC). In 2024, the region experienced an approximately 70% increase in TB cases compared to the previous year, rising from 10 cases to 17¹. This included 16 confirmed active cases, one suspect case, and 80 identified contacts. In 2025, WEC reported 16 active cases, along with 13 suspect cases and 244 identified contacts. These trends highlight the growing need for enhanced awareness among at-risk populations (refugees, international students, temporary workers and people who have immigrated to Canada recently) and healthcare providers, as well as timely intervention to curb transmission and prevent long-term health complications.

BACKGROUND

TB is a disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria spread from person to person in airborne droplets that cause an infection, usually in the lungs. Following exposure, individuals may develop active TB or progress to latent TB infection, where bacteria remain inactive and non-transmissible. Latent TB may progress to active TB, particularly within the first two years following infection, when approximately 50% of active TB cases occur². Active TB is infectious and requires clinical assessment and immediate public health intervention. Early detection and treatment of latent TB is a key part of the public health strategy to prevent the spread of the disease.

Public health units manage TB cases through isolation directives, contact tracing, and medication provision. When active TB is suspected, a chest x-ray and sputum tests are necessary to rule out active TB disease. Airborne infection precautions should be initiated as soon as possible for all suspected or confirmed respiratory TB cases to contain the spread of infection. A single case of active TB requires significant public health resources, including case management, contact tracing, and preventative care for exposed contacts. Each locally identified case can generate 10 to 50 or more contacts requiring healthcare follow-up. Nationally, TB-related expenditures are estimated at $74 million, with the average cost of treating an active TB case being approximately $47,000³.

While current diagnostics tools are available to support the identification of TB infection, they are limited in predicting in whom and when the disease progresses to active TB. Best practices emphasize the importance of timely testing of active TB to save patients’ lives and prevent further transmission⁴.

PROPOSED MOTION

Whereas, Ontario Boards of Health provide management for active TB cases and their contacts, following the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., 1990, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) Ontario Public Health Standards 2021 (or as current), MOHLTC Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Protocol 2025 (or as current), MOHLTC Infectious Diseases Protocol 2023(or as current), and Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 8^th Edition (or as current); and

Whereas, Ontario Boards of Health facilitate timely diagnosis and access to TB medication at no cost to the patient; however, timely intervention often occurs only after transmission has already occurred within the community and congregate settings; and

Whereas, undiagnosed or untreated TB contributes to ongoing transmission, severe illness, and death, while early detection and appropriate management are essential to preventing active disease and protecting community health; and

Whereas, timely and accurate diagnosis of TB requires access to specialized infectious disease expertise to support clinical assessment, interpretation of diagnostic testing, initiation of appropriate treatment regimens, and management of complex or drug-resistant cases; and

Whereas, adequate funding for isolation support is critical to ensuring timely treatment adherence, infection control, and prevention of further transmission, particularly among individuals facing socioeconomic barriers; and

Whereas, stigma surrounding TB continues to deter individuals from seeking care, completing treatment, and engaging in public health follow-up, further exacerbating inequities and disease spread.

Now therefore be it resolvedthat the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health advocate for enhanced and sustainable provincial funding to support isolation housing, income replacement, and wraparound supports for individuals (including social work and psychosocial supports) for individuals undergoing TB treatment and isolation;

FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health urges the Federal Government to increase investments in the development of improved diagnostic tools, short and more effective treatment regimens, and vaccine research to prevent TB progression and transmission, both in Canada and globally;

FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health requests the Province of Ontario to cover the cost of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) under OHIP to ensure equitable access to high specificity diagnostic testing;

FURTHER THAT, the Province of Ontario works with Ontario Health to recruit and retain additional infectious disease specialist support (including pediatric expertise) to strengthen regional response capacity and/or have equitable access to specialized clinical guidance, treatment coordination, and infection control expertise in Windsor and Essex County (WEC);

FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health encourages the Province of Ontario to develop and fund comprehensive, culturally safe anti-stigma and awareness campaigns, along with community-based strategies to promote early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and public trust;

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