Invasive strep, influenza A outbreak happening at Maplehurst jail
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Inmates and workers at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton are dealing with outbreaks of both invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) and influenza A, according to the union that represents employees.
In a statement shared with CBC News Friday, Janet Laverty, chair of the ministry employee relations committee, said the Ministry of Health notified OPSEU this week about the outbreaks.
"Our members continue to work in these difficult conditions and have also been impacted by these outbreaks," she said. "Several have required medical attention, and we are working to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place for those that are impacted."
Laverty said Halton Public Health and Ontario Public Health officials are working with the provincial Ministry of Health to respond to the outbreaks. CBC Toronto has reached out to both the province and public health for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Laverty said any other questions about the state of the outbreaks and the condition of those affected would need to be answered by ministry officials.
Group A strep is a disease caused by bacteria that spreads through person-to-person contact. Some people carry the bacteria in their throat or on their skin with mild symptoms, or none at all.
In rare cases, Public Health Ontario says, the infection can become "invasive" when bacteria enters the blood or deep tissue, which can result in life-threatening illness.
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