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, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
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