LASD INMATE VISITING AT MEN’S CENTRAL JAIL IMPACTED BY MUMPS

Inmate visiting will continue to be impacted at Men’s Central Jail due to several inmates being diagnosed with the mumps virus.  Currently, numerous inmates are quarantined and being monitored by medical personnel from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services-Correctional Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 
 
On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, several inmates began exhibiting signs of influenza, as well as having inflamed parotid glands.  Correctional Health Services began monitoring the housing and diagnosed the inmates’ symptoms as those infected with the mumps virus.
 
As of Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 18 inmates have tested positive for mumps and others were quarantined based on their proximity to the infected inmates.  Those displaying symptoms are being monitored by Correctional Health Services.  The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination has been offered to all inmates in the affected areas.  Sworn and civilian staff members assigned to Men’s Central Jail were also vaccinated as a preventative measure and three Department members are under medical observation.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Correctional Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have been diligently working to minimize the spread and identify any other persons who may have been infected by the virus.  The inmates who have been confirmed with the mumps virus, have been re-housed in the medical ward of the jail.
 
Sworn and civilian staff members working with the quarantined population have been provided with protective facial masks which cover the nose and mouth.  Inmates in the affected areas have also been provided with facial masks.  Quarantine and monitoring procedures will remain in place until Correctional Health Services determines it is safe to return to normal operations.  Vaccinations will continue to be offered to all inmates and staff as needed. 

Inmates who are scheduled to be released from custody will not be impacted; however, those housed in quarantined areas will go through a release protocol monitored by the Department of Public Health.  The Department of Public Health will additionally monitor them after their release from custody.  

The Department is working with the Superior Court of California-County of Los Angeles to minimize the impact on court proceedings for those who are quarantined.  Inmates still have access to contact their attorneys.

To identify if your loved one is housed in a quarantined area, please visit the www.lasd.org and schedule a visit with your loved one.  If a pop-up message is displayed that your loved one is in an affected area, he/she is under observation (quarantine) until further notice. 

Correctional Health Services currently expects the quarantine protocols to be concluded by December 1, 2019; however, this date may be extended, or shortened, if conditions change. 

—— Information about Mumps ——

According to the Department of Public Health, mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus.  The virus is spread through respiratory droplets dispersed within a three-foot radius.  Symptoms usually occur 16 to 25 days after exposure and include swollen glands, fever, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.  Immunity to the mumps vaccine wanes over time, therefore, some people may still be vulnerable to contracting the virus, especially in closely-contained areas.
 
The best protection is prevention.  The MMR vaccine is quite effective in decreasing the likelihood of getting the virus.  If members of the public have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with the mumps, it is recommended they get a booster of the MMR vaccine.

For more information on the mumps virus, please visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/VPD_mumps.htm