Health department officials Tuesday were all over the maximum security Arkansas prison now known simply as the “Tucker Unit” as almost half its inmates are down with mystery gastrointestinal illnesses.
What’s causing the illnesses at the Tucker Unit, with a capacity of 796 prisoners, still was not known with suspect list including both foodborne illnesses and viruses. State health officials have stepped up their work to find the source.
“The number of inmates who have displayed symptoms is at 357, which is about what it was yesterday afternoon,” Shea Wilson, spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Corrections said. “We hope to hear a determination of what the cause is from the Health Department soon.”
About 15 officials from the Arkansas Department of Health were at the prison on Tuesday, interviewing staff and inmates and taking stool samples. Samples of all food served in the prison during the last five days are also being tested.
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