NCJ Number
137966
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 12-14
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Tuberculosis (TB) has reemerged as a serious health problem for prison inmates because of its connection with the HIV epidemic and the introduction of a new multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis strain. Multidrug-resistant TB has a 50-percent cure rate and is not preventable.
Abstract
Inmates at greatest risk of TB infection are those who are foreign-born, alcoholics, IV drug abusers, blacks and Hispanics, and inmates with AIDS and other medical problems. Because most jails do not have an infection control officer on staff, they also lack a comprehensive control program. Such a program requires extensive training and followup activities. Jail directors should call on public health officials for assistance in establishing an effective TB control program. The director must also ensure that infected inmates take their medication and that jail staff are educated about detecting and preventing the spread of TB. Inmates who are released should be referred to the local health department's TB control program. A TB isolation cell can prevent the transmission of infection; other preventive measures include early and correct TB drug therapy, a negative pressure isolation room for suspects, and installation of ultraviolet light in poorly ventilated high volume areas.