100.1 GO FM - We're Your Feel Good Pop Station

Outbreak declared in Inuvik after second person gets measles

A measles outbreak has been declared in Inuvik after it has been confirmed that a second person was infected with the virus.

This brings the number of people in the NWT with measles to two, both in Inuvik. The office of the chief public health officer declared the outbreak Wednesday, stating it is possible for people who are not immune to develop measles with the period of risk lasting until around March 26.

“At this time we do not expect other individuals outside of Inuvik to develop measles,” a public health advisory states.

For those in Inuvik who may be at risk, they are urged to monitor for symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes or a rash starting on the face and spreading to the chest. Symptoms can develop from a week to 21 days after exposure to the virus.

Locations and dates where people may have been exposed to measles. Department of Health and Social Services image

“If you develop symptoms, remain at home and call your health care provider immediately,” the advisory states. Calling ahead allows healthcare centres to prevent transmission of measles to other visitors.

The advisory states people are likely immune to the measles virus if they were born before 1970, born after 1970 aged 18 or older with one dose of measles vaccine, or are between one and 18 years old with two doses of measles vaccine.

If people want to confirm whether they, or their children, are immunized they should make an appointment with their local public health unit. For Inuvik residents, call 867-777-7246.

The health department called for anyone who is not immune to measles to contact their healthcare provider and review the option of being immunized.

Emelie Peacock
Emelie Peacock
News Reporter

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Frank Gruben remembered, loved ones call for change and healing spaces

Frank Gruben's mom Laura Kalinek says now is the time for change and with the new Missing persons legislation she hopes that can happen. She wants communities to have spaces for healing and remembering the lives of the Missing and Murdered. “There's so much people, there is so much going on in the world, that’s why you’ve got to be thankful everyday for everything,” says Kalinek.

New Indigenous-led network feeds body and spirit in Yellowknife

The non profit organization’s vision and plans are about finding ways to support people facing homelessness in the city, but it’s about much more than providing food or shelter. The organization is grounded on the principles of dignity, reciprocity, Indigenous leadership, healing and non-colonial practices, towards a critical vision: “A Yellowknife with no homelessness, where Indigenous people are respected, supported, and leading the change.”

Environment scientists say water levels remain “very low” across territory

“Water levels and flow rates are very low across most of the NWT,” say scientists with the government of Northwest Territory’s Environment and Climate Change centre. Data collected last month continued to show that water levels and flow rates for lakes and rivers remain “very low” across much of the N.W.T. Climate change scientists anticipate temperatures will vary between northern and southern regions of the N.W.T. but predict colder temperatures across the territory for March.

Federal government helping to fund housing in Yellowknife

Over $24 million in federal funding has been announced for the 54th Avenue Housing Project in Yellowknife.  

Two face charges after alleged drug trade incident involving guns and bear spray

Two people are facing charges following an alleged incident involving a handgun, a fake pistol and bear spray in the city of Yellowknife. RCMP officials state, officers reported that the alleged incident is likely connected to the illegal drug trade. According to the report, police arrived on scene on Feb. 12 at an apartment building in the city after being notified of one suspect who was allegedly “carrying a pistol and bear spray” outside an apartment building.