JFJ Raises Concerns About Tuberculosis Outbreak At Hunts Bay Lock-Up And Influenza Outbreak In Various Correctional Facilities

Human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), has raised concerns about a tuberculosis outbreak at the Hunts Bay Police lock-up in St. Andrew and an influenza outbreak at some correctional facilities.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed flu outbreaks at both the St. Catherine and Tower Street Adult Correctional Centres.

On Sunday, the DCS reported that two inmates showing flu-like symptoms had died over the weekend at the Spanish Town Hospital. Consequently, the DCS announced that visits to all adult and juvenile correctional facilities would be suspended for two weeks, ending December 2.

Additionally, the Jamaica Constabulary Force stated that it is collaborating with public health authorities to control the tuberculosis outbreak at Hunts Bay, where seven inmates are currently receiving treatment and five others are being treated at a hospital under police supervision.

In response to these developments, JFJ’s Executive Director, Mickel Jackson, expressed concern that the correctional system in Jamaica is facing a crisis due to severe overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and poor ventilation, emphasizing the need for these issues to be addressed.