Cambridge Bay (Dec 08/03) - Influenza A shut down schools, daycares and most public places in Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk last week.

Other communities in the Kitikmeot region -- Kugaaruk, Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven -- were keeping their fingers crossed last week, bracing for the worst.

But so far, reports of the flu in those communities has been minimal.

Influenza A is characterized by a severe cold, a fever, and body aches and pains.

"A few people have been sick. But the school and everything is still open," said Taloyoak resident Sarah Jayko on Thursday last week.

"It's not bad here," said Vince Ningark who works for the hamlet of Kugaaruk. "A few people have colds. But that's about it. We haven't had any major illness."

In Gjoa Haven last week, resident Louie Kamookak was admitted to the health centre with flu-like symptoms.

His wife Josephine said there were about four or five other people in Gjoa Haven showing similar symptoms. But it was not clear whether it was the dreaded flu that hit Cambridge Bay that was bringing them down.

Flu shots are free at health centres across the Nunavut.

The chief medical officer for Nunavut, Dr. James Talbot, is urging Nunavummiut to wash their hands often, and avoid public places if they are feeling sick.

Kiilinik school in Cambridge Bay was closed Dec. 1-5 to help people recover from flu symptoms. The school was expected to re-open Dec. 8.

A drug and alcohol tour of schools in the Kitikmeot led by Charlie Lyall is scheduled to go ahead this week as planned, from Dec. 8-12.