Tuberculosis in Canada: a focal disease requiring distinct control strategies for different risk groups

Cases of new or reactivated tuberculosis (TB) reported in Canadian residents during 1985-1987 (1984-1988 in the province of Quebec) were analyzed by geographic region relative to the geographic distribution of groups known to be at high risk. The crude incidence rate (per 100,000 population) of TB was calculated by census division (or Région socio-sanitaire in Quebec). Rates of TB by census division ranged from 0 to over 200 per 100,000 population; the average rate for Canada was 8.3 per 100,000. Census divisions with very high rates (over 20 per 100,000) were concentrated in the northern regions, with 80% or more of TB cases occurring among aboriginal persons. Census divisions with moderately high TB rates of 10-19 per 100,000 were located either in northerly regions or in major metropolitan areas; reported TB cases in these areas occurred disproportionately in the aboriginal or immigrant populations. Tuberculosis continues to become more geographically focused and limited to aboriginal Canadians, immigrants and the urban poor. Priority must be given to full implementation of effective prevention and control methods in geographic areas with higher incidence rates. Different methods will be required for different areas depending upon the risk groups present.