4-year-old Igloolik boy dies after being medevaced with flu-like symptoms, says mayor
The boy was medevaced from Igloolik on March 3
A four-year-old boy died at the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit on March 5. He was medevaced to Iqaluit from Igloolik, Nunavut, after developing flu-like symptoms, according to Igloolik's mayor Celestino Uyarak.
Uyarak said the boy was medevaced with his mother on March 3.
Uyarak said the body was sent to Ottawa for an autopsy and will be returned to the community Monday afternoon.
A funeral is being scheduled for later this week, Uyarak said.
Nunavut's deputy coroner Khen Sagadraca confirmed the autopsy had been completed, but says the results are still under investigation. Autopsies are required in all cases when a child under five dies.
Uyarak said there were several medevacs from the community due to respiratory-related illnesses in the first week of March, but says the flu in the community is now diminishing.
The Head Start preschool was closed as a precaution to avoid spreading illness, but schools remained open in the community, Uyarak said.
Nunavut's Department of Health has not confirmed any details surrounding the child's death.