The whooping cough outbreak in the Dehcho region is over.
The outbreak was declared on Jan. 13, 2021. As of Feb. 27, two full incubation periods had passed with no new cases, according to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.
Whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection where airways become blocked from bacteria in the nose throat and mouth.
Health and Social Services (HSS) communications manager Damien Healy advised that although the outbreak is over, residents should still protect themselves and loved ones from whooping cough, by getting vaccinated.
The vaccine is free and part of the routine NWT immunization schedule.
Since mid-January, whooping cough cases have been diagnosed in the Dehcho, Tlicho and Yellowknife regions.