Increased Influenza Activity in Dehcho Region

Press Release

DEHCHO REGION (January 30, 2025) – The Chief Public Health Officer is issuing a public health advisory to notify the public about significantly increased influenza activity in the Dehcho region. This has been reflected in a significant spike in Influenza A and B in Fort Simpson’s wastewater, indicating increased virus circulation in the community.

Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate in NWT. These illnesses can result in serious complications and death.  Most cases this year have been influenza A, however, since early January 2025, there has been an increase in both influenza A and B.

Typically, the NWT experiences two waves of influenza each respiratory season:

  • Influenza A circulates primarily in fall and early winter.
  • Influenza B tends to increase in late winter and spring.

Influenza A and a few cases of Influenza B have been reported in many of the communities in the Dehcho region. Over the past week, 14 out of 20 confirmed cases of influenza have been reported from this region. Prior to this increase, only 2 cases had been reported from the Dehcho region this season. Many more residents have reported recent influenza-like illness but were not tested.

Health Risks and Complications

Respiratory viruses, such as influenza, can lead to secondary illnesses such as strep throat, ear infections and pneumonia. We have noted an increase in reported pneumonia deaths this respiratory season.

Prevention and Protection

To reduce the risk of illness and prevent the spread of infection:

  • Get vaccinated. It is not too late to receive the annual influenza vaccine.
  • Identify symptoms early and consider the use of antivirals or other medication if appropriate.
  • Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

To check your eligibility for other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, call 8-1-1 or review the NWT Immunization Schedule.

Recognizing Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a respiratory virus:

  • Fever,
  • Cough,
  • Runny nose,
  • Body aches,
  • Fatigue, or
  • Generally feeling unwell

For medical advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse. Nurses are available 24/7 to help clients assess when it is appropriate to book an appointment, when someone should call ahead to warn the health centre of a potential communicable disease, or when to manage their symptoms at home.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care at your local health centre if:

  • You are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illness
  • Your symptoms persist or worsen
  • You have a productive (cough that produces mucus or phlegm) or persistent cough.

Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest health centre immediately if you experience more severe symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath,
  • Chest pain, or
  • Require urgent medical attention

Who is at Higher Risk?

People at high risk of influenza-related complications/hospitalization include:

  • Children aged 6 months – 59 months of age,
  • Adults 65 years of age and older,
  • Pregnant individuals,
  • People of any age who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities,
  • People residing in small, rural, isolated communities with limited access to health car services.

Adults and children with the following health conditions are also at increased risk:

  • Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease,
  • Diabetes,
  • Cancer or any other condition and/or medication that weakens the immune system,
  • Extremely overweight,
  • Anemia,
  • Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions that increase risk in children (6 months to 18 years of age) on long-term aspirin therapy.

Spring Break and Travel Considerations

We anticipate an influx of travelers and visitors during spring break in March. To protect yourself and others:

  • Ensure you and your family (6 months of age and older) are up to date on vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and other vaccines that may protect against viruses and bacteria spread through the air like measles and meningitis.
  • If you plan to travel, especially post-secondary students returning home, get the flu vaccine at least 14 days before returning to be protected.
  • Call your local public health unit or health centre to book an appointment for your influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
  • If you have already had Influenza A but have not received the flu shot, you can still get vaccinated to protect against Influenza B.
  • If you need two doses of the influenza vaccine, ensure you receive the second dose.

The Chief Public Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on a regular basis until this advisory has been lifted.

For more information contact:

Andrew Wind

Manager Communications

Health and Social Services

HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca(link sends e-mail)

IHT4

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