Suspected influenza scare at Delaware prison

All visitations at Wilmington’s Young Prison have been cancelled and all unnecessary movement inside the prison walls have been halted.

 

The Dept. of Correction announced six inmates at the prison may have influenza. Another 40 offenders who may have been exposed are being closely monitored. Specimens from the sick inmates have been sent to a lab to determine if it is in fact influenza.

The six inmates who may have influenza are being held at the prison’s infirmary. Their cellmates are being isolated as a precaution and have been given anti-viral medication.

The DOC has also cancelled all visits, all programs, and all volunteers. Chapel services and gymnasium and fitness use has been cancelled as well. All new inmates will be diverted to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna. 

Prison officials say the precautions will not prevent the scheduled release of any inmate.