2 more tuberculosis cases confirmed in Edmonton's inner-city outbreak

Two more people have been infected in a tuberculosis outbreak spreading among people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton's downtown core.

The two new cases confirmed to date this year means a total of five people have become infected in connection with the outbreak, which has been spreading among vulnerable populations in the inner-city for nearly a year.

Provincial health officials formally declared the outbreak in October 2025 after three vulnerable people with ties to the unhoused community tested positive for the same strain of the infectious disease.

In a statement to CBC News, officials with the Alberta government have now confirmed that two additional people have contracted the same strain of the bacterial infection and the cases have been confirmed to be part of the ongoing outbreak.

"While the outbreak remains active, the risk to the general public is low," said Robyn O’Neill, a n Alberta government spokesperson.

"There is no evidence the outbreak has spread beyond Edmonton's inner-city or to other locations in Alberta.”

While the outbreak is not considered a risk to the general public, agencies including Primary Care Alberta have been investigating each case and managing contact tracing procedures to limit the potential spread.

Tuberculosis outbreak declared in inner-city Edmonton: Primary Care Alberta

O'Neill said contact tracing is underway and all individuals identified as having been exposed will be notified and required to undergo additional screening.

Primary Care Alberta and medical officers of health have been meeting regularly with agencies across the inner-city to co-ordinate support and screening, O'Neill added.

Throughout 2025, 12 cases of TB were identified in Edmonton’s inner-city, but only three of those cases are the same strain and have been confirmed as part of the outbreak.

More cases of tuberculosis have appeared in Edmonton's inner city this year

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body. It can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes and spits.

Living in communal spaces, including homeless shelters, is also considered a factor that can increase the risk of tuberculosis infection.