June 25, 2007 (THUNDER BAY) - Starting July 1st, 2007, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit will no longer provide Tuberculosis (TB) skin testing for school or employment purposes.

“We will continue to provide TB skin tests when a case is identified. We will test family and people who came into close contact with a confirmed case of active TB to ensure that risk to the population is minimized.” explains Ken Allan, Director of Health Protection and Clinical Services. “It is the Health Unit’s role to control TB cases and other infectious diseases.”

Dr. Nancy Cameron, Medical Officer of Health, notes that, “The Thunder Bay Health Unit continuously evaluates all of our services to make sure that we are making the best use of our resources. Tuberculosis testing for universities, colleges and business is not funded by the province and resources do not allow us to continue this service.”

People requiring a TB skin test for school or employment purposes are advised to contact their physician. Educational institutions and employers who previously used this service were notified of this upcoming change earlier this year.

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For more information,
Laura J. Craig   
Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Phone: (807) 625-8800