Whooping cough outbreak in Iqaluit declared over
Fewer than 5 cases confirmed in city
A whooping cough outbreak declared earlier this summer in Iqaluit is over. (File photo)
A whooping cough outbreak declared in Iqaluit on June 23 has ended.
Nunavut’s Department of Health gave the update Thursday in a public health advisory.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection of the throat and lungs. Severe cases can occur in infants under one year old, according to the Health Department.
Since late last year, whooping cough outbreaks have been declared in several Nunavut communities. An outbreak declared in Igloolik in December ended in April. An outbreak in Naujaat was declared in March. An outbreak was also declared in Pond Inlet on June 23.
There were no hospitalizations or deaths reported during Iqaluit’s outbreak. The total number of confirmed cases was less than five, the department said.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important. If you or anyone in your household has any of the following symptoms, call your health centre:
- 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 at night;
- A high fever (39 C and above) that lasts more than three days.
The department is also advising residents to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. Other preventative measures include washing hands frequently; coughing into your sleeve or a tissue; and not sharing food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes.
Further information on whooping cough can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
The most recent whooping cough outbreak in the territory was declared in Arctic Bay on July 25.
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