A case of whooping cough has been confirmed in Sanikiluaq, according to the Department of Health.

Whooping cough affects the lungs and throat and it's highly contagious. The most severe cases are contracted by children under age one.

The Department of Health advises that those who are mildly ill should stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms are gone.

Those symptoms include a cough that lasts longer than a week; a cough followed by an unusual sound that sounds like SA国际影视传媒渨hoopSA国际影视传媒�; trouble breathing; vomiting after coughing; coughing that is worse at night; and a high fever (39掳C and above) that lasts more than three days.

Frequent handwashing, coughing into a sleeve or tissue and not sharing food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes are recommended to help Nunavummiut avoid whooping cough.

There is a vaccine to prevent the ailment.