Chickenpox outbreak: Highly contagious viral infection flares up at Qld prison

A number of prisoners have been diagnosed with a highly contagious viral infection at a major Queensland prison, authorities have confirmed.

A small number of chickenpox cases have been reported at Brisbane Correctional Centre.

A number of prisoners have been diagnosed with a highly contagious viral infection at a major Queensland prison.

A Queensland Corrective spokeswoman on Tuesday said they were aware of a small number of chickenpox cases at Brisbane Correctional Centre at Wacol.

“The healthcare of prisoners in Queensland correctional centres is managed by Queensland Health,” she said.

“Queensland Corrective Services has followed health advice to limit the spread of infection, including confinement of affected prisoners, use of PPE and sanitation protocols.

“Alternative scheduling of matters has been arranged for affected prisoners.

“There are no major impacts to frontline delivery of services.”

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that gives people a distinctive blister-like rash.

The Executive Director Preventive and Prisoner Health at West Moreton Health, Therese Hayes, on Wednesday confirmed four cases of chickenpox had been detected at Brisbane Correctional Centre.

“The health and safety of patients is the top priority for West Moreton Health staff at Brisbane Correctional Centre (BCC),” she said.

“Four cases of chickenpox have been confirmed at BCC, with small outbreaks of infectious diseases such as this not uncommon in correctional settings.

“Usual outbreak management guidelines for prisons – including testing, isolation and movement recommendations – are in place and we will continue to treat and manage affected patients and others as needed.”

Originally published as Chickenpox outbreak: Highly contagious viral infection flares up at Qld prison