The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is working alongside its public health partners to manage an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at the Hunts Bay Lock-Up in St. Andrew.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs.

It is caused by bacteria and spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.

In a statement today, the JCF said since August it has been managing the confirmed outbreak among inmates at the Hunts Bay Lock-Up.

It said that upon detection, all established public health protocols were swiftly enacted.

According to the JCF, the infected inmates were placed in isolation and medical professionals were engaged to lead the response.

It added that all its members who came into contact with the affected individuals were isolated and provided with the required personal protective equipment.

The JCF said there are seven inmates receiving treatment at the Hunts Bay Lock-Up, while an additional five are undergoing treatment at a hospital under 24-hour police guard.

According to the JCF, the St. Andrew South Divisional Management Team has been collaborating closely with the public health officer and staff from the South-East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), the National Chest Hospital and the relevant authorities at the St. Andrew Parish Court to manage and mitigate the spread of TB.

It said the St. Andrew South Divisional Management Team is adhering strictly to the advice provided by medical professionals to ensure the well-being of all detainees and staff.

It noted that as part of its precautionary measures, infected inmates are kept entirely separate from the general detainee population to prevent further spread of the illness.

The JCF said there has been no transfer into or out of the Hunts Bay facility since the initial detection of the tuberculosis cases.

Noting that all necessary measures are being implemented to contain the situation and ensure the safety of all involved, the JCF said it has also been engaging with the St. Andrew Parish Court to facilitate court appearances for affected inmates through secure online platforms, such as Zoom, to further limit the risk of exposure.