Recently, numerous criminal justice facilities across the state of Texas have been affected by a stomach flu like illness believed to be Norovirus (Norwalk). In Gatesville, visitations at the Crain Unit prison facility were cancelled this past weekend after 20 inmates became ill. A second notice was posted on the Texas Department Criminal Justice web site on Friday afternoon, stating that the Gatesville Unit had some individual housing areas that would not be accepting visitors because of the flu-like illness.
The Hilltop Unit was advising all visitors to call before they came to visit, to make certain their visit was still on. This unit had 11 inmates that were reported ill as of Thursday, and a third Gatesville unit, the Mountainview Unit, reported 8 cases of the virus. As of Friday, there were three prison units in Gatesville that had no reported incidents of flu-like illness.
According to Jason Clark, TDCJ spokesman, those inmates who become ill at the facilities are medically restricted and isolated. He also said they are monitoring the situation. Other than prohibiting visits, they also restrict transportation and movement in order to confine the illness, which spreads quickly when there are large numbers of people congregated in small areas.
Norovirus food poisoning has affected 26 prison facilities around the state of Texas, with approximately 1600 people reportedly ill. The prison facilities affected by the outbreak are located primarily in the south and southwest sections of Texas. The Terrell Unit which is south of Houston seems to be the hardest hit. This facility reported 611 prisoners with confirmed cases of Norovirus, along with 42 staff members.
Clark stated that sanitation measures had been increased at all of the facilities where norovirus was suspected.
Norovirus is a foodborne illness that is usually mild, but can become serious in certain circumstances. Individuals with compromised immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, should see a doctor at once if symptoms of Norovirus appear. These individuals may be susceptible to more serious complications.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and occasionally vomiting. Infection may occur when individuals come in contact with other people who are infected, and fail to take proper precautions such as washing their hands thoroughly after visiting the bathroom. Tainted foods are also frequently responsible for contracting Norovirus.
