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Yellowknife Youth Hit First by Early Flu Outbreak
29 Nov
Summary
- Influenza is circulating early in Yellowknife, primarily affecting youth.
- Sir John Franklin High School saw over one-third of students absent Monday.
- Vaccination rates among N.W.T. students are around 10 percent.
An early and aggressive influenza outbreak is currently circulating through Yellowknife, with the city's youth disproportionately affected. Several schools have reported a significant increase in student absences, indicating a rapid spread of the virus. Sir John Franklin High School, for example, had over a third of its students absent on a single Monday.
The territory's chief public health officer confirmed that the majority of cases involve influenza A (H3 subtype) and are primarily impacting individuals aged 18 and under. Lower vaccination rates among students, estimated at around 10 percent, are a key factor in this vulnerability, especially given close social interactions within school environments.
Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions, including getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits like mask-wearing and avoiding gatherings when sick. With the holiday season approaching and increased travel expected, the virus is anticipated to spread further, making proactive health measures essential.
