Toronto sees highest tuberculosis cases in over 20 years amid growing health care gaps

In 2024, the City of Toronto recorded its highest number of tuberculosis cases in over 20 years, Toronto Public Health confirmed on Friday.

Findings from “Stop TB Canada” found there are significant barriers to certain medications for the infectious disease — including child-friendly formulas — due to drug shortages and delays.

“These issues delay treatment, increase hospitalization, and undermine the quality of care, putting patients at greater risk for complications and poor outcomes,” the report states. “While many countries have adopted newer, shorter, and safer tuberculosis treatment regimens, these advancements have not yet reached Canadian patients.”

Health experts say children under five have a more challenging time fighting off the disease. Just in Toronto, 375 tuberculosis cases were confirmed in 2024, the highest number since 2002 — and there are more people with the disease in the city than in any other jurisdiction across Canada.

The Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health, Dr. Elizabeth Rea, said tuberculosis is a global health issue impacting people from coast to coast.

“TB is a serious illness, but it’s preventable, treatable, and curable,” Dr. Rea said in a statement to CityNews.

“However, the recent report by Stop TB Canada highlights the significant barriers to accessing essential TB medicines in Canada, resulting in unnecessary challenges for parents and children, treatment delays, especially for people ill with a drug-resistant strain of TB, poorer health outcomes, and premature death.”

Just under 2,000 people diagnosed with TB in 2022: report

Stop TB Canada said that while the country has made significant strides in fighting tuberculosis over the years, the number of people with tuberculosis has gradually increased.

“In 2022, Canada saw 1,971 people diagnosed with tuberculosis. Indigenous communities, who make up less than 10 per cent of Canada’s population, represent nearly a quarter of those affected by tuberculosis,” they said.

Stop TB Canada adds that diagnoses remain disproportionately high among people born outside of Canada.

“Worldwide, over 10 million people worldwide became sick with tuberculosis in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths.”

The infectious disease primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and can be fatal if not treated.

The most common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, coughing up blood and chest pain.

“Tuberculosis disproportionately affects Indigenous and newcomer communities,” Dr. Rea said. “Better access to tuberculosis medicines is critical for Canada to meet its commitment to ending TB in our country.”