All Nunavummiut, and particularly the parents of babies and young children, are being advised by the Department of Health at the Government of Nunavut (GN) about an increase in Norovirus cases in Pangnirtung.
The Norovirus is a stomach illness, and is highly contagious. Although it can infect anyone, the most severe cases are in Elders and children. The infection is spread most commonly through contact with the vommit or stool of an infected individual. The virus spreads easily from among individuals, but can also spread through the consumption of food, water or ice that has come into contact with an infected person.
Norovirus spreads especially quickly in daycare centres, schools, and airplanes. While most Norovirus cases happen in Canada during the winter season, there is currently an increase of cases in the community of Pangnirtung.
Both children and adults who are mildly ill are advised to stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms dissapate.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and diarrhea, and occasionally fever, chills and muscle aches. Illness comes on quickly, and can last one to 3 days. Some of the best ways to prevent this virus are to:
-Wash hands often, especially before preparing meals or after changing a baby’s diaper, or after using the washroom.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids (avoiding pop, energy drinks, or other sugary fluids).
-Cleaning surfaces such as counter tops, doorknobs, and bathrooms often with hot, soapy water.
-Trying to avoid unnecessary contact with people who are sick.
Anyone who displays vomiting or diarrhea should refrain from meals for the family to decrease the risk of spreading the virus to other family members. Additionally, dirty laundry should be washed in hot water and dried at a high temperature setting in order to kill bacteria. Please be advised that kissing and touching babies can spread germs. Keep everyone healthy by isolating while sick.
Public Health Advisories are available in Inuktitut, English, Inuinnaqtun and French on www.gov.nu.ca.
Inungnun Aanniaqtailinikkut Unniudjutit hailihimajun Inuktitut, Qablunaatun, Inuinnaqtun Uiuitullu uvani www.gov.nu.ca.
Les avis de santé publique sont disponibles en inuktitut, en anglais, en inuinnaqtun et en français au www.gov.nu.ca.
People with symptoms can be cared for at home unless the symptoms become severe and involve weakness and dehydration. If these symptoms present, medical advice should be sought from a healthcare provider.
Learn more by reading the Norovirus factsheet available on the Department of Health webpage.
