NCJ Number
143672
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 5-7
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Broward County, Florida, is a prime area for tuberculosis (TB), and the county's Department of Detention is concerned about the number of inmates at risk for carrying or contracting TB.
Abstract
The Department of Detention has three sites and a total inmate capacity of 3,656; it employs more than 1,300 deputy sheriffs and civilian support staff. All Broward County inmates are given a purified protein derivation (PPD) skin test within 14 days of their incarceration. Test results are interpreted 48 to 72 hours after injection and are then recorded in millimeters by measuring the diameter of the raised papule on the forearm. A positive reaction indicates that the inmate has been exposed to Mycobacterium TB recently or in the past. Further confirmation is required to determine whether the inmate actually has the disease. If an inmate has a positive PPD but a negative chest x-ray, he or she is given 300 mg isoniazid every day with 50 mg of vitamin B for 6 months as a prophylaxis. Inmates with a positive PPD and an abnormal chest x-ray are tested further through sputum samples collected every morning for a 3-day period. Inmates receiving prophylactic TB treatment are scheduled to be seen in the clinic at 1, 2, and 6-month intervals for follow-up evaluation. Patients who are also HIV positive are seen again at 9 and 12 months. Follow-up care includes liver function tests, evaluation of the medical administration record, and inmate interviews. Names of inmates requiring TB treatment are reported to the Broward County Health Department. Further, the Department of Detention has developed a system to track the number of TB cases in its facilities. The management of TB in the jail setting is discussed, along with the importance of educating staff and dealing with the threat of other diseases.