Flu outbreak hits 114 Kolbe inmates
Friday, 30.07.2010, 09:23am (GMT-6)
By Adolph Lucas - Staff Reporter
A flu outbreak at the Hattieville Central Prison has infected 114 inmates, the Kolbe Foundation?s acting Chief Executive Officer Earl Jones reports.
Jones said medical personnel at the prison have confirmed there are 112 cases of the common cough and cold, and the doctor confirms it is an upper respiratory tract infection. There are two other cases of flu-like symptoms, which are associated with a high fever. All are being treated at the prison clinic.
Those affected also have had their blood tested for dengue, but the results were negative..There is no confirmed case of dengue at the prison at this time.
The Public Health Department sprayed the prison facilities against dengue last week, and all new prisoners are screened for dengue fever.
Jones said he believes the rainy season and the close confined quarters were factors in the influenza outbreak.