Inmates chicken pox outbreak

Several inmates at the South Camp Rehabilitation Centre in St. Andrew have been diagnosed with Chicken Pox over the last two weeks.



Acting Commissioner of Corrections, June Jarrett, said six inmates have so far been isolated at the institution and one member of staff was sent on sick leave.



She said at least two inmates at other institutions were affected by the illness sometime ago.



Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus.



Its characterised by red, itchy rashes on the skin that usually appear first on the abdomen or back and face, and then spread to the scalp, mouth, nose, ears, and genitals.