New CEO says over one hundred inmates sick with the flu

As we reported Tuesday night, over one hundred prisoners fell sick at the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville over the past few days. At first, it was believed that they had contracted dengue or malaria.  But was it a pandemic that got out of control? According to Earl Jones, Kolbe’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, the situation is now under control.

Earl Jones, Acting CEO, Kolbe

“We do have the regular cough and cold symptoms that is associated with the

earl jones

time of the year. Rainy season has started and as result we have inmates coming down with cough and cold, which are classified as Upper respiratory tract infection, which is just the normal cough and cold.”

Jose Sanchez

There were some reports that it was symptomatic of dengue, is that true or not?

Earl Jones

“No we had two cases. We had several cases which he had tested. We have inmates who we have tested to check for Dengue; but so far no confirmed case of Dengue at the Belize Central Prison.”

Jose Sanchez

Because there are so many prisoners confined to small spaces, what is the actual procedure in terms of medical treatment? Who looks at the prisoners care?

Earl Jones

“Whenever there is a symptom of cough or cold or whatever, the officer at the building would normally take the inmate to the clinic that we have inside the prison. The doctor there then examines them to see what the nature of their illness is.”

Jose Sanchez

How many prisoners actually fell ill to the various forms of cold?

Earl Jones

“We have presently about a hundred and twelve inmates who have come down with the cough and cold symptoms. There are two we have with cough, cold and fever.  So, it’s become an influenza, what we suspect.”