By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Social Security announced on Thursday the start of a mumps virus vaccination campaign in prisons.

On Thursday, 400 vaccines were given to prisoners, security officers, and administrative staff. The campaign started in two prisons, at Jorge Arturo Montero prison, known as La Reforma*, and Gerardo Rodríguez prison, known as Virilla jail*. Both prisons are located in the province of Alajuela.

“It is up to us to define priorities and to recognize the prisoners and employees who have been exposed to the virus. We have an action plan, " said Marcia González-Aguiluz, Minister of Justice."People must know that we have taken the necessary measures and that the situation is under control."

According to authorities, there are 48 people isolated due to the disease.

On Sept 17th, the Ministry of Health ordered the prohibition of visits and transfer of prisoners, until Sep 25th, due to the outbreak of mumps that has affected five prisons, as was reported by A.M. Costa Rica.


According to the Ministry, there are 103 cases of people infected with the mumps virus.

In addition to medical care for the patients, Social Security has implemented other preventive measures, such as disinfection of surfaces and vaccination plans to control against contamination of other viruses to both prisoners and administrative staff.

According to Dr. Dixiana Alfaro, from National Health Services, surveillance has been intensified to detect infected patients. As well as increasing the cleaning and decontamination of all areas in jails.

The outbreak of mumps has been reported in five prisons, located in San José*, Alajuela*, Pérez Zeledón*, Pococi*, and Limón*.

According to specialists, mumps is a viral disease caused by a virus. Initial signs and symptoms often include fever, muscle pain, headache, poor appetite, and feeling unwell. This is usually followed by painful swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands.

The transmission of the virus occurs through the contact of fluids from the nose and saliva.

 


 

---------------------
Do you think electric vehicles are a good investment for reducing CO2 emissions?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com

---

---

---

---