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PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
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FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 2133
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR AT FRITZ (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
(1) How many awaiting-trial prisoners have been infected with the measles
virus since its outbreak at the Johannesburg Medium A correctional centre;
(2) Whether any measures are in place to limit the spread of the measles
virus at the correctional centre; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details? NW2808E
REPLY
1) A total of eighty seven (87) awaiting-trial detainees were
confirmed cases infected with the measles virus since its outbreak
at the Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre. Confirmed cases
imply that they presented measles symptoms. There maybe others
infected, but may not present measles symptoms and therefore it
cannot be concluded that they were infected with measles.
2) The following measures were implemented to limit the spread of
the measles virus within the Correctional Centre:
⢠Management of measles using the relevant guidelines of the
Department of Health.
⢠The Correctional Centre was quarantined for fourteen days.
⢠Movements into and outside the Correctional Centre were
restricted to essential staff only.
⢠Staff and offenders were immunized.
⢠Infection control measures were implemented.
⢠Screening of awaiting-trial detainees to identify suspects
was conducted on admission and continuously.
⢠Symptomatic management of the individual patients.