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Oregon Department of Corrections News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2006
Gastrointestinal illness affects inmates at Columbia River Correctional Institution
Seventy inmates at Columbia River Correctional Institution have, over the past 24 hours, been assessed and treated for symptoms suggesting an outbreak of a norovirus. Noroviruses cause what is commonly described as "stomach flu."
According to Karen Ireland, RN, Columbia River's Health Services manager, the most distressing symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Ms. Ireland said that the virus has most likely peaked at this time.
"To prevent additional inmates from becoming infected, we are taking proactive measures to educate inmates and staff how to avoid contamination" explained Richard Ackley, the prison's security manager, "It is not an airborne pathogen, so using universal precautions such as washing hands, not touching other people, and keeping common areas sanitized will generally prevent spreading."
Ackley has contacted local and state public health authorities as well as area hospitals. At present, no inmate has required an outside medical care as a result of this illness. He also canceled all incoming and outgoing inmate transports, including work crews, for today in order to contain the illness.
Inmate visiting today and through the weekend will occur on a normal schedule. Visitors will be informed of the outbreak and educated about precautions should they wish to proceed with their visit.
Columbia River Correctional Institution is a minimum-security prison in north Portland with a population today of 546 men.
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