Whooping cough in Hall Beach
Public Health Advisory
Whooping cough in Hall Beach
July 7, 2016
Nunavut 60 sec
The Department of Health advises that there is a confirmed case of whooping cough (pertussis) in Hall Beach. The best way to protect yourself from whooping cough is to ensure everyone in your household is vaccinated. It is very important that pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine to protect their babies, who could get very sick if infected.
Whooping cough is a disease of the throat and lungs that spreads from person to person. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it can be very serious for children under the age of one.
The Department of Health is now asking parents of children under the age of three with the following symptoms to visit the health centre:
- a cough followed by an unusual sound that sounds like "whoop"
- vomiting after coughing
- a high fever
Small children may not have a "whoop" cough but may vomit after coughing.
To prevent infection with pertussis, you should:
- wash your hands regularly
- cough into your sleeve or tissue
- not share food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes
Any cough can be made worse by cigarette smoke, so make sure no one smokes indoors.
###
Media Contact:
Ron Wassink
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5710