Whooping cough outbreak is ongoing in Iqaluit

Press Release

July 16, 2025

The Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Ekua Agyemang, would like to advise Iqalungmiut that an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) declared on June 1, 2025, is ongoing. The Department of Health is actively responding and working to prevent further spread.

Whooping cough can affect anyone, but the most severe cases are in children under the age of one. It is a respiratory disease of the throat and lungs that spreads very easily from person to person, but it is preventable with immunization. If you or your child have symptoms of a mild respiratory illness, stay home and avoid gatherings and contact with others until your symptoms are gone. This will prevent the spread of illness.

If you have been in contact with someone who has pertussis, or believe you have symptoms, please call QGH clinics for assessment, as early diagnosis and treatment are important. Iqaluit residents who have symptoms should call Qikiqtani General Hospital clinics to book an appointment or go to Rapid Access Clinic to be assessed. In communities outside of Iqaluit, call your local health centre if anyone in your household has any of the following symptoms:

• A cough that lasts longer than a week.
• A cough followed by an unusual sound like “whoop”.
• Trouble breathing.
• Vomiting after coughing.
• Coughing that is worse at night.
• A high fever (39°C and above) that lasts more than three days.

You can prevent whooping cough by getting vaccinated. Check and keep your vaccines up to date. You can help protect vulnerable Nunavummiut and prevent the spread by:

• Frequent handwashing.
• Coughing into your sleeve or tissue.
• Not sharing food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes.
• Wearing a mask if you are sick and need to go out.

Together we can support a safer, healthier Nunavut for everyone. Learn more about whooping cough by reading the pertussis factsheet available on the Department of Health webpage.

Contact

Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca

IHT5