McCain Virus Cases

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release:	Contact: Keith Acree
Date: Feb. 19, 2007	Phone: 919-716-3700

McCain Correctional Hospital reports stomach virus cases McCAIN – At least 15 inmates at McCain Correctional Hospital have become ill with a stomach virus and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. As a result, all visitation and inmate transfers to and from the prison hospital facility are suspended until further notice. Cultures have been sent to a lab and results are expected in a few days with a formal identification of the virus. In the meantime, the medical staff is taking appropriate precautions. The affected inmates have been isolated in one portion of the facility, employees are exercising appropriate hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus and adequate medications are available for treatment of symptoms. The Hoke County Health Department has been notified. This virus appears similar to what has been detected at other North Carolina community hospitals recently. Such viruses can cause diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting for two to four days, but are generally not fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Family, friends or visitors with concerns about this issue should contact McCain Correctional Hospital at 910-944-2351. McCain Correctional Hospital is a minimum-custody health care center for adult male inmates. Established in 1983 in a former state tuberculosis sanatorium, it houses approximately 360 inmates and has a medical staff of about 135 persons. There are 60 acute, skilled nursing and infirmary beds, plus 222 beds dedicated to the disabled, elderly and others whose medical condition requires a nursing home-type environment. The facility also provides laboratory, x-ray and respiratory therapy services. About one-third of the population consists of healthy inmates who perform various work assignments throughout the facility. # # #