A concerning varicella virus outbreak continues to spread through Trinidad and Tobago’s Maximum Security Prison in Arouca, with health authorities confirming five additional inmate infections and a sixth prison officer diagnosis. Acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe disclosed that the facility has now managed approximately 80 cases over 65 days since the initial infection was detected on November 11th.
The correctional institution currently maintains 40 infected inmates in specialized containment units, while 43 previously affected prisoners have completed treatment and returned to the general population. The outbreak has shown concerning growth patterns over the past fortnight, with 29 active inmate cases recorded as of January 10th.
Prison authorities have implemented comprehensive containment protocols including medical screening by infirmary staff, hourly sanitization of communal areas, and dedicated isolation facilities where confirmed cases undergo 21-day quarantine periods. Inmates must receive medical clearance from the Prisons Medical Officer before reintegration into general population areas.
As proactive prevention, the Prison Service initiated a voluntary vaccination drive on January 15th targeting approximately 2,500 officers across multiple facilities. Initial participation saw 75 officers inoculated by midday, with the program continuing through subsequent days. Commissioner Corraspe emphasized that officers with prior chickenpox infections or previous vaccinations don’t require additional immunization due to built immunity.
The institution has distributed appropriate Personal Protective Equipment including approved masks and gloves to staff members. Health management strategies are being coordinated with the Prisons Medical Officer, Prison Health Services, Ministry of Health, and the County Medical Officer of Health for St. George to contain the viral spread.