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7 swine flu cases at Pinellas jail

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: July 31, 2009

CLEARWATER - Seven inmates at the Pinellas County Jail have tested positive for swine flu, officials said Thursday.

"We will no longer be testing," said Timothy Bailey, medical director for the sheriff's office. "We will assume swine flu is just here."

Earlier this week, 32 inmates exhibited flulike symptoms. All were isolated from the general population, but those whose health improved were returned to their regular housing, sheriff's spokeswoman Cecelia Barreda said.

Bailey said the number of inmates who remained in isolation was not available.

Seven samples were sent for testing for swine flu, also known as H1N1, and all came back positive.

Nine jail pods are quarantined - a total of 320 male and female inmates. Those inmates had some contact with the 32 who exhibited flulike symptoms, but none of the 320 is ill, Bailey said.

Officials have prohibited recreation, church and other group activities at the jail. Inmates continue going to court, meeting with visitors and attending medical visits.

"People who we think are ill, we'll get them out of the pods and isolate them," Bailey said.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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