Update: Whooping cough in the Qikiqtaaluk region

Public Health Advisory

Update: Whooping cough in the Qikiqtaaluk region

The Department of Health advises that whooping cough is present in the Qikiqtaaluk region. There are currently 70 probable or confirmed cases of whooping cough in the communities of Pond Inlet, Hall Beach and Iqaluit.

The best way to prevent the spread of whooping cough is to make sure that those vulnerable to complications are immunized. Pregnant women in their last trimester and the members of their households, as well as children under the age of two, should have up-to-date vaccines.

Whooping cough vaccine is included in routine immunizations.

Watch for symptoms of whooping cough:

• a cough followed by an unusual "whoop" sound or a funny-sounding cough
• vomiting after coughing or not breathing after coughing

Nunavummiut planning to travel outside their community are also encouraged to make sure their vaccines are up to date.

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Media Contact:

Irma Arkus
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Department of Health
867-975-5762
@email