Nunavut’s Department of Health warns of stomach illness in two communities

Kimmirut and Sanikiluaq residents are at risk of a fast-circulating stomach illness, says Nunavut’s Department of Health.

Residents of these communities should look out for symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever and diarrhea, the department said in a Jan. 23 public health advisory.

Those with symptoms should stay home so as to decrease the risk of spreading the illness. Anyone vomiting or having diarrhea should also avoid making meals for others.

The sick need to rest and drink fluids. Anyone whose symptoms last longer than 48 hours should visit their health centre.

Though the stomach illness is common at this time of year, the Health Department warns that it can spread easily from person to person and moves quickly through communities.

To prevent the spread of the illness, residents should wash their hands frequently, cough or sneeze into their sleeve, wash their hands after changing a baby’s diaper, and keep surfaces clean by wiping them with soap and hot water.