Reminder: Whooping Cough Outbreak in Igloolik is Ongoing

January 16, 2025

The Department of Health is advising Nunavummiut, that the outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) declared on December 16, 2024, in Igloolik is ongoing.

Anyone can get whooping cough, but the most severe cases are in children under the age of one. Whooping cough is a disease of the throat and lungs that is spread very easily from person to person. If you or your child are mildly ill, stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms are gone. This will prevent the spread of illness.

Residents should be aware of symptoms as early diagnosis and treatment are important. Call your health centre if anyone in your household has any of these symptoms:

• A cough that lasts longer than a week.
• A cough followed by an unusual sound like “whoop”.
• Trouble breathing.
• Vomiting after coughing.
• Coughing that is worse during the night.
• A high fever (39°C or above) that lasts more than three days.

You can prevent whooping cough by getting vaccinated.

Check and keep vaccines up to date.

You can help prevent the spread through:

• Frequent handwashing.
• Coughing into your sleeve or tissue.
• Not sharing food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes.

Learn more about whooping cough by reading the pertussis factsheet available on the Department of Health webpage.

Contact
Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
HEACommunications@gov.nu.ca

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