N.W.T. health authority sending nurse to Jean Marie River amid widespread illness
No outbreak has officially been declared, but health officials monitoring health situation in community
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) says no respiratory outbreaks have officially been declared in Jean Marie River, but it's monitoring the health situation in the small community.
Earlier this week, the chief of Tthets'éhk'edélî First Nation told CBC that a respiratory illness had spread to around half the households in the community of about 70. Chief Melanie Menacho had called on health officials to send doctors to the community.
In a statement to CBC on Wednesday, the health authority said it has received reports of respiratory symptoms in many households and is providing supports, including sending a community health nurse from the Fort Simpson Health Centre into Jean Marie River.
"It is respiratory season and there are a number of respiratory illnesses circulating in the N.W.T. that require different kinds of care or treatment for those with higher risk factors," the statement said.
Several people, including the chief and the MLA for the area, confirmed to CBC that a community member who had symptoms of a respiratory illness has died, though the cause of death has not been confirmed.
"The NTHSSA is aware of a recent unexpected death in the community and extend condolences," the health authority stated.
Jean Marie River has a community health worker who works at the health cabin. In the absence of trained medical or nursing staff, community health workers can assess residents and provide treatment, while receiving guidance from medical personnel from afar.
Residents usually drive to Fort Simpson, about 120 kilometres away, to see a nurse. The health authority said it's often more efficient to have patients with "concerning symptoms" travel to Fort Simpson rather than send staff to smaller communities "when there are certain types of widespread illnesses."
The health authority said case numbers for respiratory diseases are much lower this year in the N.W.T. compared to the same time last year. So far in 2025, there have been 32 confirmed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), compared to 62 last year; there have been 17 cases of flu, compared to 217 last year; and 89 cases of COVID-19, compared to 118 in 2024.
Anyone with mild respiratory symptoms should call 811 for advice or to determine if they're at higher risk. Residents of Jean Marie River who have higher risk factors for severe disease should call the Jean Marie River Health Centre at 867-809-2900.