The Government of Nunavut is advising Nunavummiut of a whooping cough outbreak in the Kivalliq region, with active cases in Arviat and Rankin Inlet.
“Anyone can get whooping cough, but the most severe cases are in children under the age of one,” stated a news release Friday, March 8. “Communities in the region are encouraged to stay aware as early diagnosis and treatment are important.”
Whooping cough is a disease of the throat and lungs that is spread easily between people. Anyone ill is advised to stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms are gone.
The Department of Health advises Nunavummiut to call their health centre if anyone in their household has any of the following symptoms: a cough that lasts longer than a week; a cough followed by an unusual “whoop” sound; trouble breathing; vomiting after coughing; coughing that is worse at night; and a high fever that lasts more than three days.