Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer
Corrections officers are becoming as adept at keeping infections out of jails as they are at keeping inmates in.
Henry County Sheriff’s 1st Sgt. David Mills said there have been no cases of the either the H1N1 novel flu or the regular flu among the 171 inmates in the county jail.
The same holds true for the 135 inmates in city jail facilities, according to Martinsville Sheriff’s Capt. Mildred Spence.
“We’ve been very fortunate,” she said, adding that the jail’s staff is working to minimize the risks of illness.
The H1N1 vaccine has been available to all area law enforcement officers, but Spence said that is not the case with inmates.
However, precautions are in place to keep inmates from getting sick.
When inmates first enter the jail, they must shower thoroughly, Spence said.
They also are checked out by the medical department, according to Mills.
“If the medical staff determines they have the flu or flu-like symptoms,” inmates are put in medical separation until their condition improves, Mills said.
“We use disinfecting cleaning supplies” to thoroughly clean tables, toilets and other items used by inmates, Mills said.
Corrections officers also try to instill the importance of self care among inmates, Spence said.
“Each individual has to be responsible for their hygiene, but we feel we have a responsibility to show them how to do that, and we encourage them to do that,” Spence said. Inmates receive an “Inmate Handbook,” which has several pages devoted to promoting good health, she said.
Included are facts about infections and how they spread, and information about “the importance of regular bathing (and) brushing teeth,” Spence said. “We also teach everybody the proper way to wash their hands and use disinfectants. ... We try to educate them,” she said.
“We hope they use what they learn, not only while they are here, but also when they are released,” Spence said.
Corrections officers in the county also teach proper handwashing techniques and encourage inmates to practice other routines to foster good hygiene, Mills said.
Inmates in both facilities are required to participate in a daily cleaning process that includes their cells and beds.
They must “pass inspection” before having telephone, TV or other privileges, Spence said.
“We also are using SaniGuard fogger,” Mills said of a fine mist fogger that includes a disinfectant to kill flu, MRSA (bacterial staph infection) and other germs.
The fogger, which dries on contact, also is used in city facilities, Spence said.
Foggers are used twice each month during flu season in Martinsville and every other month in Henry County, according to Spence and Mills respectively.
A spray version of the fogger also is available and is used on office equipment such as telephones and keyboards, Spence said.
The preventive efforts seem to be working.
“We hope that trend continues,” Mills said. So far, “we’ve really been blessed.” |
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