Officials yet to identify mystery illness affecting inmates at four correctional facilities

  

Health and prison officials say they are working to identify and contain the mystery illness that has been affecting inmates at four adult correctional facilities across Kingston and St. Catherine.

 

Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday reported that prisoners at Tower Street, St. Catherine, Tamarind Farm and Horizon remand centres have been exhibiting flu-like symptoms - believed to have claimed the life of one inmate early that day.

 

The St. Catherine Health Department on Thursday revealed that the matter was brought to its attention on Wednesday and a probe is underway.

 

Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, Denece Douglas says a team from the department was deployed to the St. Catherine adult facility and tests were conducted. 

 

"They swabbed six inmates and those samples were sent to the National Public Health lab for testing," she said, indicating that the results have not yet been received.

 

Sydney Rose, Councillor for the Treadways Division, said it is crucial that the health department swiftly identify the issue and adequately inform the public. 

 

"I would have preferred for you to assist us that more information could be fed to the public and also to cause the staff to understand if it is something contagious because they have relatives and friends who they might mix or mingle with outside of that institution. So I think the necessary precaution ought to be taken to prevent an outbreak where possible," he urged.  

 

They were speaking at the monthly meeting of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

 

The Department of Correctional Services had told Radio Jamaica News on Tuesday that the outbreak was primarily observed at the St. Catherine prison.