NCJ Number
141713
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 5-7
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because of its geographic location, large number of immigrants, and prevalence of AIDS and drug abuse, Broward County (Florida) is a prime area for tuberculosis (TB). The county's Department of Detention staff must develop strategies for dealing with a large inmate population at risk for carrying or contracting TB.
Abstract
Persons most likely to contract TB are those who were previously affected, those with live but inactive organisms, those in close contact with an infected person, the elderly or homeless, those receiving immune-suppressive medications, and alcohol or drug abusers. All Broward County detainees receive a PPD skin test within 14 days of their incarceration. Treatment varies according to the outcome of the PPD test and subsequent chest x-ray; treatment plans are coordinated between the facility and the county Health Department, which supplies certain medications. The Department of Detention tracks the number of TB cases in its facilities on a weekly basis in order to measure deviations and evaluate continually its health care practices. Managing TB in correctional facilities requires staff and inmate education as well as the development of guidelines for reducing risks of TB and other diseases in this high-risk environment.