From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
BARBOUR COUNTY — There has been an outbreak of a pneumococcal disease at the Ventress Correctional Facility in southern Alabama, according to WSFA.
Three inmates have so far been impacted by infections, brought about by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Two of the three developed meningitis and one of the inmates, that developed meningitis, has died.
Antibiotics will be administered to inmates and staff who have been in close contact with the inflicted, have shared personal items with the sick inmates and who have pneumococcal disease and to those who have a fever or flu-like illness.
The Centers for Disease Control has had their services requested, to help provide a quick response and assist with technical matters arising from the situation.
Vaccines, which have been ordered from the CDC, will be given to persons who have not already been vaccinated and have been in close proximity with the inmates.