Stomach bug strikes Baker Lake

Nunavut’s Department of Health is warning residents of Baker Lake to be wary of a stomach bug circulating through the community.

The illness, which the department says is not uncommon at this time of year, spreads easily from person to person. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.

“Anyone with these symptoms should rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, do not make meals for anyone else to decrease the risk of spreading the virus,” states a public health advisory issued on Monday, July 15.

The best ways to prevent the spread of stomach illness, according to the advisory, are the following:

• Wash your hands often.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands after changing a baby’s diaper.
• Keep surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs clean by wiping with hot water and soap.

People with symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours should visit their health centre.