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Inmate dies after viral outbreak at Putnamville Correctional Facility

Audra Levy
4:31 PM, Jan 24, 2016

INDIANAPOLIS -- One inmate at Putnamville Correctional Facility has died after a viral outbreak at the prison.

The superintendent of the prison says 18 patients began to show flu or pneumonia-like symptoms at the beginning of last week.

They were admitted to an observation unit as part of the Indiana Department of Correction's influenza control plan.

Nine were sent to Terre Haute Regional Hospital after their symptoms got worse. One of those patients died last Friday.

Currently, 25 patients are under observation, 11 are in the facility's healthcare unit, 14 are at Terre Haute Regional Hospital's detention center, and four have been admitted to their ICU unit.

Authorities say safety precautions are being taken including isolation, bleaching of the unit and wearing masks. 75 air handling filters have also been replaced.

The Indiana State Department of Health says they are working closely with the Department of Correction, local health officials and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They're trying to identify the sources of exposure.

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