Whooping cough outbreaks lead to mandatory masking at Iqaluit hospital

A mandatory face mask policy is in place now at Qikiqtani General Hospital, Ihivriuhiviit Clinics and the Iqaluit boarding home.

The move is in response to ongoing whooping cough outbreaks affecting Iqaluit and Pond Inlet, the Department of Health announced Tuesday in a public service announcement.

Mandatory masking is a response to whooping cough outbreaks in Pond Inlet and Iqaluit, the Department of Health announced Tuesday. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Outbreaks of whooping cough, or pertussis, were declared in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet on June 23.

The masking measure is needed to protect vulnerable people possibly at risk of contracting the illness, Charmaine Deogracias, communications manager with the department, said in the release.

The requirement remains in effect until further notice. Tuesday’s release didn’t indicate how many whooping cough cases have been reported in the two communities.

The decision to implement the policy is based on guidance from the territorial infection prevention and control specialist and Nunavut’s chief public health officer, the release said.

Whooping cough is a respiratory disease of the throat and lungs that spreads easily. It can affect anyone, but the most severe cases are in children under the age of one, the release said.

Whooping cough is preventable with immunization, and early diagnosis and treatment is important.

Symptoms include:

• A cough that lasts longer than a week;
• A cough followed by an unusual sound like a “whoop”;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Vomiting after coughing;
• Coughing that is worse at night;
• A fever of 39 C and above that lasts more than three days.

People in Iqaluit who have symptoms can call Qikiqtani General Hospital to book an appointment or go to the Rapid Access Clinic to be assessed. Free masks are available at the Iqaluit public health office at 1091 Mivvik St.