Whooping cough outbreak ongoing in Kivalliq with 32 cases reported since March
While anybody can get the disease, children under age 1 most vulnerable to severe infection
Here’s a close-up look at the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough. (File photo)
Nunavut’s Department of Health is reminding people there is an ongoing outbreak of whooping cough in the Kivalliq region.
The Health Department declared an outbreak in the region on March 7.
Health officials have detected 32 cases since the start of the outbreak, department spokesperson Chelsea Halvorson said in an email to Nunatsiaq News. The most recent case was detected on July 20.
Cases have been reported in Rankin Inlet, Arviat, and Agnico Eagle’s Amaruq gold mine, Halvorson said.
While anyone can get whooping cough, children under the age of one tend to suffer the most severe infections, Thursday’s announcement said.
People in the region are being asked to keep on eye out for symptoms that include a persistent cough, cough followed by an unusual sound like “whoop,” trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, coughing that is worse at night, or a high fever of 39 C or above that lasts more than three days.
The public service announcement reminds people to take precautions like frequent hand-washing, not sharing food, drinks or toothbrushes and coughing in their sleeve or a tissue.
The announcement noted that there is a vaccine available for the illness and advised people to check their vaccine status with their local health centre.
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