Varicella zostervirus transmission in youth during incarceration

Abstract

Purpose - Facility-based Varicella zoster virus (VZV) transmission is reported in a Canadian youth offender correctional centre (YOCC). Transmission occurred from an immunocompetent youth offender (YO) with localized Herpes zoster to another immunocompetent single dose vaccinated YO, resulting in Varicella zoster (VZ) breakthrough disease. The purpose of this paper is to identify infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures utilized in this setting. Design/methodology/approach - A retrospective chart and immunization record review was conducted for two VZV cases and 27 exposed YO contacts in order to obtain demographic, clinical and immunization data. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Findings - All VZV cases and exposed contacts were male with an average age of 14.2 and 15.6 years for cases and contacts, respectively. Both cases shared the same living unit in the YOCC. There were 28 identified YO contacts, of whom 70 percent were single dose vaccinated with univalent vaccine, followed by 22 percent with a previous history of Varicella disease. All cases and contacts were born in Canada. No foreign-born populations were involved with this event. Infection control measures included additional precaution management, enhanced surveillance and environmental cleaning. As such, no hospitalizations or post-exposure immunizations were required. Originality/value - This report highlights the role that VZ breakthrough disease could play in fueling an outbreak in a high-risk environment without rapid recognition and implementation of preventative measures. It also underscores the importance of IPAC presence and public health immunization programs within correctional centers to avoid infectious disease threats.

Managing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prisons: a systematic review

“…52 All described outbreaks occurred in adult custodial facilities, with the exception of one which took place in a youth custody facility. 60 One outbreak was observed in a privately operated immigration detention centre, 66 but the remainder were…”

“…56 62 63 70 Interagency collaboration Interagency collaboration is integral to managing infectious disease outbreaks. 44 50 56 60 63 64 66-70 Studies described early establishment of a designated interagency group to coordinate the response, 60 involving prison staff, the local state health department, public health laboratory, public health unit and hospital services. 50 In two studies, prison authorities notified other correctional facilities to prevent spread through transfers.…”

“…59 67 69 Initiatives targeted PIP (current and recently released), 59 staff, 43 46 56 57 63 both these groups, 44 60 66 visitors and the general public. 50 67 Formats included written materials, 43 66 individual and group clinics, 59 debriefing sessions, 60 press releases and use of social media. 66 In four studies, key messages were disseminated with limited details, 44 50 56 57 whereas in one report of a TB outbreak in individuals with HIV more intensive engagement was used.…”

“…61 Restrictions, isolation and quarantine Restrictions on movement and mixing between PIP can be challenging, with logistical implications for essential legal and prison processes, as well as potential effects on rehabilitation and well-being because of disruption to structured therapeutic programmes, social contacts and legal advice. The range of restrictions varied, including limiting movements within a prison, 43 44 50 53 57 60 68 transfers in and out, 43 48 50 51 55 66 67 stopping new entrants, 44 48 60 66 transport of affected individuals, 44 family and legal visits, 50 66 68 school programmes, 60 and transport between prisons and courts. 57 66 Some studies monitored those who had been transferred to other facilities.…”

The Incidence of Chickenpox in Penal Institution of the Lipetsk Region

“…В современном мире меняется «лицо» ветряной оспы, растет уровень заболеваемости среди взрослого населения, что не может не отразиться и на осужденных, содержащихся в местах лишения свободы [3][4][5][6]. В исправительных учреждениях пенитенциарной системы ветряная оспа представляет особую опасность в силу специфичности контингента и условий, способствующих быстрому распространению инфекции, и по большей части неэффективности реализуемых на практике мер профилактики [3,7].…”