>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Protecting the Health of Incoming Prisoners: Six Diseases Correctional Administrators Should Be Aware Of
By Robert Kravitz, President AlturaSolutions
Published: 04/15/2019

Hospital beds scaled
Incoming prisoners tend to be at higher risk of contracting a disease, virus, or infection than those inmates that have been living in the same correctional facility for several months or years. Very often, the new inmate has a weakened immune system due to several factors, making them more susceptible to acquiring an illness upon entry.

However, what might be an even more significant factor is the fact that germs, bacteria, and viruses may already be present in the facility that staff and inmates have developed immunities to. As a result, new inmates often become ill, with minor and sometimes serious illnesses shortly after entry. According to Seven Todts with the European office of the World Health Organization, the following are some of the most common infections – apart from HIV and TB – that new correctional inmates may contract:

Influenza

Since the 1880s in the U.S., there have been several major outbreaks of influenza in correctional facilities. In fact, an outbreak that began in 1918 at San Quentin prison in California may have been the source of a pandemic which spread around the world between 1918 and 1920. Prisoners should be given flu vaccination shots upon entry and if they still become ill with influenza, separated from the general population if possible until they are well.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

These are highly contagious viral diseases. For instance, just a droplet of the germs that cause measles, becoming airborne by coughing, can cause someone that does not have the proper immunities or is malnourished to become ill. Inmates should be asked if they have received vaccinations against the measles, mumps, and rubella. If not, they should be vaccinated. Further, this is strongly advised for female prisoners of childbearing age upon entry.

Viral Hepatitis

While this is a problem in correctional facilities around the world, in Europe, prison populations are disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis. The reasons this is true in Europe are the same reasons it is likely true in the U.S., and that is the lifestyles of many prisoners before entering the correctional facility. These lifestyles often include drug use and the sharing of needles; tattooing, and risky sexual behavior. Once again, vaccinations of new prisoners are highly recommended to prevent viral hepatitis. Related to this is the transmission of hepatitis A. If a prisoner has already had hepatitis A, they are now immune. However, for those that have not, the unfortunate thing about hepatitis A is that prisoners may have the disease for several weeks before they are aware of it. During this time, these prisoners are contagious and can spread the illness to many others. If possible, Todts suggests “it is sensible to vaccinate all non-immune incoming prisoners.”

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium that enters the body through a small but open wound. Very often these wounds become soiled, which can put prisoners at even higher risk. Tetanus can cause generalized muscle spasms, but what correctional administrators should know is that it can also cause death. While tetanus is rare, compared to the other diseases mentioned so far, “nevertheless, incoming prisoners should be vaccinated unless they have proof of their immune status,” according to Todts.

Diphtheria

Similar to tetanus, diphtheria is also caused by bacteria. It is typically spread by someone with the disease sneezing or coughing. Contracting diphtheria, the prisoners can experience mild to severe nose and throat problems as well as difficulty breathing. Diphtheria can even cause heart failure or paralysis. According to Todts, mortality rates are about five to 10 percent. Once again, “incoming prisoners should be vaccinated unless their immune status can be proven, using the combined diphtheria/tetanus vaccine for adults.”

Ectoparasites

Scabies and lice are not uncommon in prisons, and very often it is new inmates that are most susceptible to what is broadly termed ectoparasites. There are no vaccines for scabies or lice. However, if not treated, new inmates can spread ectoparasites to others in the correctional facility. Very often, this problem is self-diagnosed. The prisoner complains to correctional staff of skin lesions or sensitive areas, especially on the scalp. These complaints should be addressed by medical staff quickly. Topical treatments are available, and very often, treatment includes allowing the infected inmate to take more frequent showers until signs of the problem have lifted.

It appears the key takeaway here for correctional administrators is to interview new prisoners, asking questions about their vaccination history. In all too many cases, new prisoners have not been vaccinated for any of the diseases mentioned here or may not know if they have or not. In such cases, it is best to take a proactive approach, vaccinating all new prisoners upon entering the correctional facility.

Robert Kravitz is a frequent writer for the correctional industry.


Comments:

  1. m4xwell22 on 03/23/2020:

    Nice Vitamix S30 personal blender post, there are lots of solid and useful information here to learn. Thank you and I will suggest your site to most of my friends.

  2. emma11yn0 on 03/08/2020:

    Wonderful and useful information! I really adore your kindness in sharing these stuffs freely. Cheers and I will patiently wait to your new post. HELOC billings montana

  3. l4verna18 on 02/21/2020:

    This blog has lots of helpful information that's I am so thankful about! Cheers for sharing it with us! shopping for your keto diet

  4. s1dney428 on 02/03/2020:

    Really great ideas and especially very well presented blog. Thank you so much for all you do for us! alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis

  5. cynth1a19 on 02/02/2020:

    For sure many people would be interested on this site because of your incredible work you've done here. Every day I've been looking forward for more post coming from you. the secret to getting a date with a hot girl

  6. k1mb3rly18 on 01/14/2020:

    This is really a beautiful blog. Not only you take us by the hand, but you also deliver everything we need to know about this topic in a smart way. The way you write is so clear, I will definitely keep following your guidance as you inspired me allot. Roof Rack Systems

  7. w1lbur220 on 01/01/2020:

    Thanks so much for saving me a few hours of research because I already found the exact information that I was looking for, as I am exploring your workers comp lawyer helena blog!

  8. ann3tte08 on 12/29/2019:

    As I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this topic, for sure many people will appreciate it too as much as we do, your avid readers. outsourced server support

  9. vishakha singh on 12/23/2019:

    You did a great job and I hope you have many different ideas to share with all of us. Model Call Girls in Delhi

  10. vishakha singh on 12/23/2019:

    All of the information you have shared with us is useful for me and I like the way you have written this amazing article. VIP Delhi Escorts Service

  11. vishakha singh on 12/23/2019:

    This is an amazing chance for me to write my own reviews and I was waiting for this for a long time. Independent Escorts in Delhi

  12. parriciabrk on 12/15/2019:

    I am usually contented with your outstanding facts disfuncao eretil

  13. mar1a1718 on 11/26/2019:

    What a great and honest post, I really appreciate your effort in sharing this stuffs. I will definitely save and share you site. acupuncturist west palm beach

  14. sh3ry054 on 11/18/2019:

    By only looking some images and read few paragraphs from your article I could absolutely say it was awesome and my instinct proved me right. essential oils for nausea

  15. cl1ntoon16 on 11/08/2019:

    This is my first visit to your blog and I am so glad I found your site. There are vast of exciting and interesting stuffs to learn from your post. keto supplements

  16. d0ominic9 on 11/06/2019:

    Your article consists of valuable information that everybody are interested to learn. I love your site and I am excited to read more blogs from you. bebe chorando

  17. lindamor on 11/03/2019:

    Be thankful for your best post and this is brilliant facts right here ulcerative colitis in children

  18. wira on 10/16/2019:

    Thanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. Holm Law Group San Diego

  19. sherri5710 on 10/15/2019:

    These are great and motivational insights for me. I will value all the information I've learned here. Thanks, I will surely bookmarked and share this to my friends! the real secret to speaking to women

  20. maryb3th57 on 10/07/2019:

    Amazing and very helpful article and I so loved it! Thank you for the share and keep up the good job. professional tax marketing

  21. mywifiext on 09/17/2019:

    Very interesting topic, thanks for posting. Digital Marketing Course in Chandigarh

  22. mywifiext on 09/16/2019:

    mywifiext local Excellent post. Please keep up the great work.

  23. c1ndy127 on 09/12/2019:

    Thank you for this clear, interesting and very helpful post. Cheers and please keep up the good work! aluminum roof rack

  24. nicolez on 09/12/2019:

    We are truly thankful for your site a lot of magnificent points right here Male Extra

  25. clar1ce772 on 08/29/2019:

    This is truly incredible blog and and I agree with almost everything you’ve written here. workers comp attorney missoula

  26. chr1st1na36 on 08/21/2019:

    I read some of your older post and found them helpful. And I'm so thankful that I immediately saved your site when I first visited here. cbd for ulcerative colitis

  27. t3rry20101 on 08/21/2019:

    I just recently discovered your blog and fell in love with it! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this for us. it companies in seattle

  28. elizaseo14 on 08/15/2019:

    So much can be said for the benefits of joining a fitness class. Group fitness classes are by far the most popular form of exercise, but for many people a group fitness class can also be intimidating. Group Fitness Class... eye problems

  29. jssaktns01 on 07/22/2019:

    Amazing and important ideas and information and facts is very special brick restoration sycamore il

  30. enihodge on 07/15/2019:

    I think I have the same opinion as you. This is probably a coincidence papas games online

  31. jssaknt on 07/13/2019:

    I want to thank you for this spectacular tips. Keep up the fantastic work buy chicken egg incubators

  32. nkkiez on 07/11/2019:

    Many thanks for this fabulous tips and I really appreciate it symptoms of ulcerative colitis

  33. m3l0dy23 on 07/05/2019:

    You explained your blog very well and I clearly understand and appreciate it. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your gold backed ira article.

  34. jessawht on 07/02/2019:

    This data and tips here is brilliant and truly attractive post thanks a lot mortgage lender Pocatello

  35. luc1ana22 on 06/30/2019:

    I have been searching the internet for fun and came upon your website. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge. keto tortilla recipe

  36. elizaseo14 on 06/27/2019:

    It doesn't matter because we do not have the 2 hours to go a gym. A home fitness gym makes sense. See how you can set up your own home fitness gym. Prescription Glasses

  37. jac0b978 on 06/27/2019:

    I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts. how to speak to and pick up women

  38. l4yla143 on 06/23/2019:

    Very interesting blog. Keep this amazing spirit of yours in inspiring others. best all in one car seat

  39. leahcl on 06/16/2019:

    Amazing valuable site and very well described and also it's fabulous creator here Male Extra Male Enhancement

  40. eug3ne001 on 06/01/2019:

    Cbd for ulcerative colitis Thanks for the info. I do not know about them. Going forward this and I will use them. Thank you so much!

  41. nkkiez on 05/29/2019:

    This is wonderful post and nice the ideas and point right here thanks a lot causes of ulcerative colitis

  42. r0s3mary8 on 05/29/2019:

    This is really very good blog, I need this regal assets review information very badly. I will come back and give feedback about this!

  43. j4s0n0707 on 05/26/2019:

    I really like your graco four in one car seats blog it was really helpful to me. Thanks for your hard work.

  44. jssaknt on 05/25/2019:

    This is so brilliant and good and outstanding tips right here buy chicken coops

  45. mywifiext on 05/22/2019:

    mywifiext I really like your blog, keep it up!

  46. c4rmen156 on 05/21/2019:

    Whatever you have provided for us in these posts really appreciative. keto shopping list

  47. susank on 05/20/2019:

    This is totally contented and precious concepts and also magnificent author right here anxiety and depression treatment auckland

  48. Enrgtech LTD on 05/17/2019:

    This article is really fantastic and awesome.Great Effort with Actual information.thanks for sharing the valuable post If you are Looking for movers and Packers in Dubai Do Must Visit us here at Relocation Companies Dubai Movers and Packers in UAE Dubai Movers and Packers Dubai Moving Companies Furniture Transfer Packing and Moving Companies House shifting in Dubai Best House Movers in Dubai Furniture Movers Dubai Cheap Packers and Movers Dubai Home Movers Dubai Furniture Movers in Dubai Home Moving Companies Dubai Packers and Movers Dubai

  49. Enrgtech LTD on 05/17/2019:

    Absolutely great posting. I actually happy when i done this topic. I am excited world have a excellent author. Always i am waiting for next reading. Thanks a lot for great posting share Relocation Companies Dubai Movers and Packers in UAE Dubai Movers and Packers Dubai Moving Companies Furniture Transfer Packing and Moving Companies House shifting in Dubai Best House Movers in Dubai Furniture Movers Dubai Cheap Packers and Movers Dubai Home Movers Dubai

  50. zakizak on 04/25/2019:

    I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers New action figures

  51. joshuaprice153 on 04/25/2019:

    Nice quality content but I noticed the pages load rather slow compared to others. Maybe you should look into this so other visitors wont get annoyed. APX Electrician of Tallahassee

  52. zakizak on 04/25/2019:

    this article is an attractive large sum of informative records that is thrilling and elegantly-written. I approval your tough take steps almost this and thanks for this advice. Youve were given what it takes to acquire interest son Goku Figurine

  53. zakizak on 04/24/2019:

    I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers, Harry Potter Vest

  54. zakizak on 04/23/2019:

    Fast our site definitely will irrefutably turn out to be widely known with virtually all operating a blog families, due to the persistent content pieces and / or review articles.kill la kill figures

  55. adaam on 04/22/2019:

    business401k.us diyhomeimprovement.us healthandglow.us travelup.us thefashionstyles.us financeplanner.us topeducations.us sportsfusion.us royalproperty.us vacationsplan.us educationmagazines.us/

  56. Dylan Eales on 04/19/2019:

    Those who are searching over internet 'economics assignment help' contact with us now. We are the best assignment writing service provider in Australia. Our Academic assignment writers available 24*7 hours for the students, if you really want to need assignment help online at cheapest price meet assignment maker at sample assignment and get high distinction grades. We are here to help you with 100% plagiarism free assignment help perth Australia. We offers lowest price on all kind of dissertations, essay writing, Finance assignment help, and more from 4000+ Ph.D. Experts


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?





correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015