Tuberculosis Outbreak Confirmed at Hunts Bay Lock-Up, Inmates in Isolation

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has confirmed an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) among inmates at the Hunts Bay lock-up, with cases being managed since August 2024. Currently, seven inmates are receiving treatment at the facility, while another five are hospitalized under 24-hour police guard.

In a statement on Monday, the JCF assured the public that it is working closely with public health authorities to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety of all affected.

Upon detecting the first cases, the JCF said it immediately enacted established public health protocols. Infected inmates were placed in isolation, and medical professionals were brought in to oversee the response. Police personnel who had contact with the affected inmates were also isolated and equipped with the necessary personal protective gear.

The St Andrew South divisional management team has been working in tandem with public health officials, including the South-East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), the National Chest Hospital, and the St Andrew Parish Court. This collaboration aims to mitigate the spread of the disease and manage the care of infected individuals.

Infected inmates are being housed separately from the general detainee population to prevent further transmission, and no detainee transfers in or out of the facility have been permitted since the outbreak began.

As an additional precaution, court appearances for infected inmates are being conducted via secure online platforms, such as Zoom, to limit exposure risks.

The JCF has urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that all necessary containment measures are in place to protect detainees, staff, and the wider community.

The force reiterated its commitment to managing the outbreak effectively and reassured the public that it is actively working with health authorities to monitor and control the situation.