Whooping cough confirmed on flight from Whale Cove to Rankin Inlet
People on March 17 Calm Air flight MO 261 advised to monitor for symptoms
The mayor of Whale Cove as well as a longtime search and rescue member are criticizing the Government of Nunavut’s handling of a recent search for a missing man. (Photo courtesy of Hamlet of Whale Cove)
The Government of Nunavut is warning passengers on a March 17 flight from Whale Cove to Rankin Inlet to monitor for symptoms of whooping cough.
The Department of Health released a public health advisory about Calm Air flight MO 261 on Thursday.
Anyone on that flight who develops a mild cough, sneeze or runny nose should call their local health centre immediately.
Other symptoms for whooping cough include a cough that lasts longer than a week, a cough followed by an unusual “whoop” sound, trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, or a cough that gets worse at night.
The disease can also be accompanied by a high fever that lasts more than three days.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be prevented by getting vaccinated, said the advisory. Precautions for whooping cough include frequent handwashing, coughing into your sleeve and not sharing food or drinks.
There is a fact sheet on the Department of Health website to learn more about the infection.
Why is the warning more than 2 weeks late?
2 and a half weeks later
Give Nunatsiaq credit. It WAS on the front page two weeks ago. I think it was being wise to post it again for those who missed it the first time around. Keep in mind too, that the flight to Rankin from Iqaluit in all likelihood went on to YK. Wear your masks in public folks.
That warning was for Iqaluit to Rankin , YK flight with Canadian north . This warning is for Calmair flight. two separate events.
I shared the earlier alert and just checked back. The flight on March 9 from Iqaluit to Rankin had a confirmed case. And it was this flight I noted may be flying on to YK. This announcement was Whale Cove to Rankink. Wouldn’t surprise me if this person contracted the cough along the way. WEAR YOUR MASKS FOLKS.
There are concerns that the virus will continue to spread as people are not stopping their travel between Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, and Chesterfield. This includes both travel by air and snowmobile.
In addition, it is alarming to see mothers carrying their babies on their backs while smoking cigarettes. This behavior should be considered a crime and needs to be addressed.
Thanks for your comments, Travelling. You’ll find that people continue to live and travel despite life’s annoyances such as minor illnesses. Notwithstanding that, we should take care of the kids, including vaccinations and reducing exposure to dangerous toxins like concentrated smoke
By the way, pertussis (whooping cough) is a bacterial affliction, not viral.
Even better vaccinate your kids and yourself if you do not have records of getting the vaccine