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| Prison Reports Swine Flu Outbreak |
| By gainesville.com |
| Published: 08/04/2009 |
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Prison reports swine flu outbreak Three cases were confirmed at the Lancaster Correctional Institution near Trenton in late July. By Diane Chun August 4, 2009 An outbreak of the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu, has been reported at Lancaster Correctional Institution near Trenton. After three cases were confirmed by the Department of Health's state laboratory in late July, all of the inmates who might have been exposed have been isolated and monitored. Health officials for Gilchrist and Dixie counties said Monday the outbreak seems to be winding down, with no serious illnesses reported. Lancaster Correctional Institution is located about six miles west of Trenton. It houses close to 500 young male offenders between the ages of 19 and 24, with a staff of about 300. Dr. Pamela Santelices, a Dixie County physician, said that after a cluster of three cases were reported, anyone with flu-like symptoms at the facility was considered to have swine flu and was treated accordingly. "I don't know the actual number who got sick," she said. Warden Gerald Roberts referred calls concerning the outbreak to state Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger. She had not returned a phone call as of late Monday. Lancaster has its own medical facility and doctor. Those who might have been exposed were isolated, and their guards or others who had contact with them were told if they developed any flu-like symptoms to go to the doctor and get treated with Tamiflu, an antiviral medication that lessens the symptoms. "The last I heard, the numbers (of cases) were decreasing," Santelices said. Anyone who develops symptoms of the flu should stay home from work and see a doctor, she said. Signs include cough, fever and fatigue, with possible diarrhea and vomiting. Read More. |
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