Whooping cough outbreak declared in Naujaat

March 19, 2025

The Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Ekua Agyemang, has declared an outbreak of whooping cough. The Department of Health warns Nunavummiut, especially parents of babies and young children, anyone can get whooping cough, but the most severe cases are in children under the age of one. Whooping cough is a respiratory disease of the throat and lungs that spreads very easily from person to person. If you or your child are mildly ill, stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms are gone. This will prevent the spread of illness.

Residents should be aware of symptoms as early diagnosis and treatment are important. Call your health centre if anyone in your household has any of these symptoms:

• 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.

You can prevent whooping cough by getting vaccinated. Check and keep your vaccines up to date. You can help prevent the spread by:

• Frequent handwashing.
• Coughing into your sleeve or tissue.
• Not sharing food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes.

Learn more about whooping cough by reading the pertussis factsheet available on the Department of Health webpage.

Thank you for doing your part to help protect our community.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

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