Due to a number of whooping cough (pertussis) cases reported on Haida Gwaii, the First Nations Health Authority would like to provide some important information on this illness for BC First Nations and Aboriginal communities and their health professionals.
Read our whooping cough (pertussis) page
While the outbreak is limited to Haida Gwaii at this time, the rest of northern B. C. is being monitored. Residents of Haida Gwaii and northern B. C. are encouraged to contact their local health units or their health care providers to discuss their need for the vaccine to protect themselves and their families from pertussis.
For any further information on whooping cough, or other communicable diseases, contact your community health nurse or nearest public health unit.
Don’t know where your nearest Public Health Unit is located?
Public Health Unit Finder: http://www.immunizebc.ca/finder
Click on www. HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in BC.
Is it an emergency?
If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.
See also: Northern Health Media Bulletin on Pertussis outbreak on Haida Gwaii.
