The Department of Health is advising residents of Sanikiluaq to take extra precaution and help prevent the spread of chickenpox (also known as varicella). Chickenpox is a contagious illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters on the body.
Additional signs and symptoms can include a fever, loss of appetite and tiredness. New spots will appear every day for 5-7 days and usually take 1-2 days to go through all of the stages, from blistering to drying out and crusting over.
Please take the following steps to help prevent the spread of chickenpox:
The disease can be more serious for pregnant women and those with health problems affecting the immune system who have not been vaccinated or previously had chickenpox. If a pregnant woman has chickenpox, her unborn baby may also be at risk and should access the health centre immediately.
If you or someone in your household is showing signs or symptoms of chickenpox please go to your health centre for treatment and prevention information. For additional information the Department of Health chickenpox fact sheet is available here: https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/chickenpox-varicella_fact_sheet_1.pdf.
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Media Contact:
Nadine Purdy
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
npurdy@gov.nu.ca
NT5