WESTERN BUREAU:
THERE IS an outbreak of chicken pox at the St. James Police Divisional Headquarters lock-up in Montego Bay and the health department fears that if proper safeguards are not implemented, it could trigger an epidemic among prisoners and police personnel at that facility.
The Gleaner has learnt that at least five detainees and three policemen, who are assigned to cellblock duties, have contracted the viral infection.
A police source confirmed the reports on Tuesday. The source also pointed out that since some policemen are down with the illness, there is a shortage of police personnel manning the cells.
In addition, he says to the best of his knowledge, the infected detainees are not in isolation.
CONFINED
Meanwhile, Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James, Desmond Clarke, told The Gleaner that he has suggested that the infected prisoners "be confined, rather than be mixed (with other prisoners who do not have the illness), to reduce the spread of chicken pox" at the facility, located in the Montego Bay Freeport area.
Mr. Clarke said that the Health Department carried out an inspection of the lock-up last week, after they were informed of the outbreak. The Public Health Inspector pointed out that they have no power to ensure that the police comply with their recommendations.
However, Assistant Commissioner of Police Linton Latty, whose portfolio responsibility includes the parish of St. James, said that the situation is being handled properly. "From what I understand, those with the pox are in a cell to themselves and the police are in close liaison with the health officials on the matter," he noted.
