Diphtheria Outbreak Claims Life at Pollsmoor Prison: Containment Efforts Underway
Cape Town – The Department of Correctional Services has successfully contained a diphtheria outbreak at Pollsmoor Prison, following the unfortunate death of a 19-year-old inmate. Eight additional inmates have tested positive for the disease.
Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale of the Department of Correctional Services stated that the wellbeing of both inmates and staff was of utmost importance. To that end, 15 correctional services officials who had been in contact with infected individuals were tested, with three individuals displaying symptoms. These three officials have been released to self-isolate at home.
Thobakgale further revealed that a comprehensive vaccination campaign was currently in progress at the facility. All eligible individuals will receive the diphtheria vaccine, as part of the department’s obligation to maintain a safe environment and curtail the disease’s spread within a correctional setting.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose and throat. It releases toxins which attack and destroy healthy tissues. Symptoms of this infectious disease include difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and persistent fatigue.
The department’s swift response and measures taken to address the outbreak have thankfully limited its impact. By enforcing containment protocols, testing individuals in contact with infected patients, and providing vaccinations, the Department of Correctional Services aims to safeguard the health and well-being of both inmates and staff.
Ensuring the safety and security of individuals within the prison system is essential. The department’s proactive approach to tackling this outbreak is commendable and demonstrates its commitment to minimizing the risk to those who are incarcerated.
Moving forward, continued vigilance, regular testing, and comprehensive vaccination efforts will remain essential for preventing the further spread of diphtheria. The department’s dedication to providing a safe environment for all those within the prison system is crucial in curbing the transmission of infectious diseases and ensuring the health and well-being of inmates and staff alike.
As the vaccination campaign continues, the Department of Correctional Services is taking significant steps to mitigate the impact of the outbreak. With its thorough containment efforts and commitment to the health of those in its care, the department is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding both the inmate population and its employees from the threat of diphtheria.
The successful containment of this outbreak at Pollsmoor Prison serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to combat infectious diseases, particularly within high-risk environments. Through ongoing vaccination campaigns and stringent containment protocols, it is hoped that future outbreaks can be prevented, and the health and safety of individuals within the prison system can be upheld.
