Whooping cough outbreak declared in Naujaat, Nunavut

Health officials in Nunavut have declared an outbreak of whooping cough in Naujaat.

In a news release on Wednesday, the territory's chief public health officer warned residents to be on the lookout for symptoms, especially families with young children or infants.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory disease of the throat and lungs. It causes coughing fits that can lead to choking or vomiting.

The bacterial disease is easily spread, and the most severe cases are in infants under the age of one.

Health officials in Nunavut are advising anybody who is mildly ill to stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms are gone.

People are also advised to call their local health centre if anybody in their household has any of these symptoms: 

• A cough that lasts longer than a week.
• A cough that's followed by a "whooping" sound.
• Trouble breathing.
• Vomiting after coughing.
• Coughing that's worse at night.
• High fever that lasts more than three days.

Officials also say that whooping cough can be prevented by getting vaccinated. They advise people to ensure their vaccines are up to date.