An outbreak of chickenpox at George Bailey Detention Facility has left two inmates quarantined, authorities have reported.
An outbreak of chickenpox at George Bailey Detention Facility has left two inmates quarantined. (AP file photo)
One of the inmates was diagnosed with the highly contagious disease at the Otay Mesa-area county jail early this month, and the other in late January, according to sheriff’s officials.
A third male inmate who also came down with the illness last month has been transferred to nearby Donovan State Prison.
Eight other jail inmates who may have been exposed to the infected men were offered preventive treatment, advised about symptoms and placed on symptom watch.
No one in the general public has been exposed to the viral illness during the outbreak, the first of its kind at the jail, according to sheriff’s officials.
Sheriff’s medical personnel working in close contact with the patients are being educated about the disease, instructed on infection-control measures and evaluated for their immunization status.
Chickenpox is readily spread by coughing, sneezing or contact with the blisters it causes, but it is preventable via vaccine. Complications include bacterial infection of the associated skin lesions, dehydration and pneumonia.
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