Possible tuberculosis case identified in Oregon State Prison

SALEM, Oregon (KPTV) – A possible case of tuberculosis was identified at an Oregon state prison on Friday, the Oregon Department of Corrections said Saturday.

The DOC said an inmate at the Oregon State Penitentiary who had been there for about four months had shown symptoms of the disease.

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or sings.

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On Saturday, the inmate was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Once tests are completed, he will be transferred to the infirmary at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, where he will be isolated in a negative pressure cell.

“We understand this news is upsetting, but we are taking all necessary steps to effectively manage this situation,” said DOC Director Mike Reese. “Our priority is to protect the health and safety of everyone in our care – both staff and inmates. We have well-trained medical staff at each facility who will address any concerns raised by staff or AICs as new information becomes available.”

The Department of Corrections said it is working with the Oregon State Health Authority to ensure adequate isolation, infection control, testing, contact tracing and medical screening to care for the sick person while protecting staff and other inmates.

The DOC said it could take up to two weeks for full test results to confirm the case.

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