Why World TB Day is Important in York Region

March 24, 2025

Every year on March 24, the Regional Municipality of York recognizes World TB Day. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, is designed to raise awareness and call us into action to end tuberculosis (TB).  

Many people think TB is a disease from far away or long ago; this year on World TB Day, York Region wants you to know that TB cases are increasing locally. This trend is occurring in our communities, provincially and nationally.    

TB is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

There are two types:  

  • Latent TB infection (LTBI): when someone has tested positive for TB, but the bacteria are inactive and cannot be spread. Individuals with LTBI generally do not have symptoms  
  • Active TB disease: when someone has tested positive for TB and bacteria are growing in the body  

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, coughing for more than three weeks and chest pain. Only a small percentage of people infected with TB become sick and experience symptoms.  

In 2024, 67 active TB cases were reported in York Region. Many of these were in people with LTBI that became active, often due to aging. Our growing aging population contributes to an increased TB disease burden in York Region. LTBI is easier to treat than active TB and treating LTBI significantly reduces the risk of developing active TB disease, which is more complex and challenging to manage.  

Males are at greater risk of being diagnosed with TB compared to females, especially as age increases. Over 90% of diagnosed TB cases in the last decade were among individuals born outside of Canada, mostly from countries with high TB rates.  

TB is preventable, treatable and curable. Despite this, TB remains a significant health challenge. This #WorldTBDay2025, consider how you can help make a difference in the fight to end TB. Because #YesWeCanEndTB, and by working together today, we move closer to a TB-free world tomorrow.  

Learn more at york.ca/TB