Yukon to watch for infectious diseases during AWGs
Flu, measles, whooping cough on chief medical officer’s radar
CBC News
Posted: Feb 19, 2012 11:38 AM CST
Last Updated: Feb 19, 2012 11:37 AM CST
Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health says medical personnel will keep a close eye on the health of athletes, staff and volunteers during the Arctic Winter Games.
Dr. Brendan Hanley said they'll watch for symptoms of flu, measles and whooping cough. There was an outbreak of whooping cough when Whitehorse last hosted the games in 2000.
Hanley said they will also monitor injury patterns.
Dr. Brendan Hanley, Yukon's Chief Medical Officer, said he and his staff will be watching for signs of flu, measles and whooping cough during this year's Arctic Winter Games. There was an outbreak of whooping cough in 2000 when Whitehorse last hosted the games. (CBC)"If we're looking at certain types of recurring injuries that would be important to relay back to the Arctic Winter Games and say: 'Look, we're seeing injuries that may be associated, for instance, with a track that's too fast or conditions that are lending themselves to injuries,'" he said.
Hanley said anyone associated with the games should make sure their immunizations are up to date — particularly for measles, mumps, whooping cough and the flu.
A special immunization clinic was set up Saturday at the Canada Games Centre, which ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time.
There will be more clinics next Friday and Saturday.
The Arctic Winter Games will be held in Whitehorse from March 4 to 10.
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