Whooping cough outbreak spreads to Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake

An outbreak of whooping cough in Nunavut continues to spread as cases have now been found in RankinInlet and Baker Lake.

A week ago the health department confirmed a case of whooping cough in Pangnirtung.

People in a total of 11communities in the territory have now become sick with whooping cough, also known as pertussis.Besides Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Pangnirtung, cases have been found in Coral Harbour, Naujaat, Cape Dorset, Hall Beach, Igloolik, Iqaluit, Pond Inlet and Qikiqtarjuaq.

The outbreak started in May.

Dr. Kim Barker, Nunavut's chief medical officer of health, haspreviously said overcrowding, exposure to second-hand smoke and a lack of hand hygieneare contributing to the outbreak.

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics. Health officialsurge anyone with symptoms whichinclude a cough followed by an unusual whooping sound, vomiting after coughing and coughing that is worse at night to see a health care provider.

Whooping cough can be prevented by immunization and health officials say it is important for everyone in the community to be up to date with their immunizations.

In particular, the health department wants pregnant women in their third trimester, infants under two and those with weakened immune systems to ensure they are immunized.

Anyone can catchwhooping cough but children under the age of one who catch it can become severely ill.

• 6-week-old baby in Quebecdies from whooping cough
• Whooping cough surge in adults threatens babies

Frequent handwashing, coughing into your sleeve and not sharing drinks, utensils or toothbrushes are other precautions that can be taken to minimize the spread of the infection.