A quarantine has been ordered at Division II of the Cook County Jail after detainees have come down with the stomach flu.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart ordered the quarantine, which will remain in place until further notice, a release Wednesday morning from his office said. Detainees housed in the affected unit are under limited movement, and visitation is not allowed.
The division's living, dining, shower, toilet, and all high touch surface areas are being disinfected, the sheriff's office said. Linens have been changed and are being laundered separately.
The quarantine will affect work programs both inside and outside of the jail, the sheriff's office said. Many of the detainees in the affected unit participate in work programs within the jail and outside of the jail. Many of these affected detainees work in the jail's kitchen and assist in transporting meals. But, because of the quarantine, they will not be able to participate in those programs. Additional staff may be needed to cover food transportation and cleaning responsibilities if the outbreak continues to other divisions.
Division II staff are being closely monitored to ensure exposure to affected detainees is limited, according to the sheriff's office. Other concerns include preparing for an outbreak within staff and adding detainees to an already crowded jail. The sheriff's office says that both of these concerns have potential to add overtime costs, and because of these concerns, additional measures are being taken at the jail to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:50:35 GMT
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
