Jean Marie River, N.W.T., facing outbreak of respiratory illness, chief says
The community of Jean Marie River, N.W.T., is currently facing a serious outbreak of respiratory illness, according to Chief Melanie Menacho of Tthets’éhk’edélî First Nation. Menacho revealed that the illness has affected approximately half of the households in the small community of around 70 people within just two weeks. The specific illness causing the outbreak is still unknown, but it is characterized by symptoms that primarily target the respiratory system, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
Even Chief Menacho herself has fallen ill with the respiratory illness, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and a persistent cough. She described the experience as “very scary” and emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent further spread of the illness. As a preventative measure, the band office in Jean Marie River was closed on Friday, and residents are urged to limit social interactions and check on sick friends and family members by phone rather than in person.
One of the major challenges facing the community during this outbreak is the lack of medical resources. Jean Marie River does not have a health worker with medical training on-site, and community members typically have to travel over 120 kilometers to Fort Simpson to see a nurse. Chief Menacho is calling on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority to send doctors into the community to provide much-needed medical care and diagnosis for those affected by the illness.
Nehendah MLA Shane Thompson has been in contact with Chief Menacho regarding the outbreak and the need for medical assistance in Jean Marie River. Thompson has also reached out to N.W.T. Health Minister Lesa Semmler to advocate for the deployment of medical staff to the community. Despite assurances from Semmler that help is being coordinated, as of Saturday afternoon, there has been no confirmation from the health authority regarding the deployment of medical personnel.
Efforts are being made to address the situation and provide necessary medical support to the community of Jean Marie River. The band council is set to meet remotely on Monday to assess the situation and determine when it will be safe to reopen the band office. In the meantime, residents are urged to follow health guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the illness. The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has been contacted for further information and assistance, but responses are pending at this time.
