News Media Room

Stomach illness and diarrhea in the Kivalliq region

Last updated Thursday, November 30, 2023

Public Service Announcement

Stomach illness and diarrhea in the Kivalliq region

There is a stomach illness currently circulating in the Kivalliq region. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, temperature and diarrhea.

While not uncommon at this time of year, this illness can spread quickly and easily from person to person throughout the community. Some of the best ways to prevent stomach illness is to wash your hands often; cough and sneeze into your sleeve; wash your hands after changing a baby’s diaper; and keep countertops and doorknobs clean by using hot water and soap.

Anyone with symptoms should stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. A person who is vomiting and has diarrhea should not make meals for the family to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to family members.

Take frequent small sips of water to maintain hydration. Infants are most at risk of becoming dehydrated quickly. Signs of dehydration in infants may include dry diapers over an unusual period of time as well was sunken eyes. If these signs appear, seek immediate medical attention for your children.

People with symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours should call their health centre for advice.

###

Media Contact:

Ron Wassink
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5710
@email

Share this page

Is this page useful?

Thank you for contacting the Government of Nunavut.

Please do not send sensitive or personal information, including (but not limited to): social insurance numbers, birthdates, information of other people, or health information. Please only send a brief description of your issue or concern and how we can contact you. We will make sure the correct person contacts you if they need more information or if they can answer your question or concern.