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300 inmates sickened at South Texas prison
Associated Press - December 4, 2007 6:05 AM ET
BEEVILLE, Texas (AP) - Health officials are working to contain the spread of a gastrointestinal virus at the McConnell Unit prison in Beeville.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons says the virus had spread to about 300 inmates as of yesterday.
An infected inmate working in the prison cafeteria was thought to be the cause of the outbreak.
Officials identified the sickness as a norovirus, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea.
Seven staff members were also diagnosed.
Lyons says most of the inmates were being treated with over-the-counter medications, and about 12 required intravenous fluids. One inmate who also has diabetes was hospitalized.
The 2,800-inmate prison is located about 85 miles south of San Antonio.
Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com
Associated Press - December 4, 2007 6:05 AM ET
BEEVILLE, Texas (AP) - Health officials are working to contain the spread of a gastrointestinal virus at the McConnell Unit prison in Beeville.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons says the virus had spread to about 300 inmates as of yesterday.
An infected inmate working in the prison cafeteria was thought to be the cause of the outbreak.
Officials identified the sickness as a norovirus, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea.
Seven staff members were also diagnosed.
Lyons says most of the inmates were being treated with over-the-counter medications, and about 12 required intravenous fluids. One inmate who also has diabetes was hospitalized.
The 2,800-inmate prison is located about 85 miles south of San Antonio.
Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com