By Kurt Erickson
The Pantagraph
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Inmates at two Illinois prisons are being kept locked in their cells because of an outbreak of the flu.
The Illinois Department of Corrections placed Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro on lockdown Monday because a number of inmates were complaining of flu symptoms. Danville Correctional Center has been locked down since last week after prisoners came down with chills, fevers and respiratory ailments.
Corrections spokeswoman Sharyn Elman said officials are treating the ill inmates at the two medium-security lockups and trying to keep the flu from spreading by keeping prisoners in their cells. The department has temporarily stopped allowing visitors at the two prisons.
“We’ve been following all of the pandemic protocols,” Elman said.
Graham, which has about 1,900 inmates, has a number of special programs, including one for inmates undergoing kidney dialysis. Elman said it is important to keep the flu contained until it runs its course.
“You just don’t want it to spread,” Elman said.
While the lockdown at Graham is in its early stages, Elman said the agency believes inmates at Danville are on their way to recovery.
Copyright 2011 The Pantagraph