Masking required in Iqaluit's hospital and boarding home due to whooping cough outbreak
Mandatory masking is now in effect at the Qikiqtani General Hospital and at the Iqaluit boarding home in response to an ongoing outbreak of whooping cough in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet.
Nunavut's Health Department announced the masking requirement in a news release Tuesday morning based on guidance from the territorial infection prevention and control specialist and the office of the chief public health officer.
The department wrote that the measure is to protect vulnerable people and to prevent the spread of the illness.
On Monday, the health department declared an outbreak of whooping cough — or pertussis — in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet. Meanwhile, outbreaks that began in Kugaaruk and Naujaat in the spring were declared over last month.
Symptoms of whooping cough include a low fever, a cough that lasts longer than a week or is followed by an unusual "whoop" sound, vomiting after coughing and coughing that is worse at night. People in Iqaluit who have symptoms should call Qikiqtani General Hospital to book an appointment or go to the Rapid Access Clinic to be assessed.
Masking is in effect until further notice.
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