The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and Health Canada have collaborated for many years to prevent and control tuberculosis (TB) within federal prisons across Canada. Their special TB surveillance system for offenders and staff has been in place in every federal penitentiary since 1998. This proactive tracking system helps detect and treat TB infection and disease early to prevent its spread to others within the prison setting. Participation in the surveillance system is voluntary for staff and inmates.

Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in Canadian Federal Prisons 1998 systematically examines TB infection and disease in people living and working within federal prisons in Canada in 1998. The report is the first of its kind and will be published annually for CSC employees, management, inmates and health care professionals.

Main findings of the report include:

Offenders:

• Offender participation in this TB screening program was very high (84.5%).
• One out of every five offenders entering federal prisons in 1998 was reported to be infected with TB.
• Documented transmission of TB within the prisons was very low.

Staff:

• Staff participation in this TB screening program was low (38%).
• Of the staff who completed screening, 14% were reported to be infected with TB.

Prisoners around the world have higher rate of TB infection and disease than the general public, and Canada is no exception. The 1998 data suggest that CSC has been successful in controlling TB within the prisons. CSC will continue to address the issue of TB risk management, education and surveillance, working together with our partners in the health care field.