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HOUSTON – On Thursday morning, officials from the Houston Health Department confirmed several mumps cases in Harris County Jail.
The outbreak was reported on Tuesday and several of the prison areas were quarantined as a precaution until the test results came back.
The test results showed that six inmates and one staff member were positive for the virus. Seven others – five inmates and two staff members – have symptoms of the virus but have not been tested positive yet.
Three hundred other inmates are quarantined because they came in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
"As with any investigation of an infectious disease, we review individual cases to identify possible contacts and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the spread of this disease," said Dr. David Persse, Health Officer. Houston local and medical director of emergency medical services. "We currently have no reason to believe that this epidemic has spread to the outside of the prison."
Mumps is contracted after coughing and sneezing or sharing a drink, according to Persse. He says it causes fever, body aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and swelling of the salivary glands. In rare cases, it can cause sterilization of the reproductive organs. This is also worrying for pregnant women.
"Because the unborn child is exposed to mumps, the unborn child can undergo a whole series of complications," Persse said.
Officials said that once the virus contracted, it took him about 25 days to complete his course.
"If we get more cases, it would not surprise me at all," said Perse. "Our hope is that it stays in the people of these people."
The Harris County Sheriff said that anyone in quarantine or isolated will not be forced to stay in jail. If they deposit a bond or finish their sentence, they will be free to leave.
Visits will normally continue at the prison, but the sheriff has recommended caution.
The Houston Department of Health visited the prison to coordinate a response to the outbreak, including guidelines on vaccination, isolation and quarantine.
Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
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