KUNA, Idaho — The Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI) said a prisoner thought to have tuberculosis has tested negative for active TB following more tests. Two housing units that were placed on quarantine on Friday have also been cleared and the quarantine has been lifted said ISCI Public Information Officer Jeff Ray.
The prisoner, who was originally thought to have tested positive, will stay in the prisons infirmary until further test results come in next month said Ray. None of the other prisoners show signs of the disease he said.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that spreads in the air from person to person and mainly affects the lungs. There are two types of TB, inactive and active, and both need treatment specific to the disease. People can read more about TB here.
"The Idaho Department of Correction will continue to work with our state epidemiologists and the department’s healthcare provider, Centurion, to ensure a proper course of action based on the test results," Ray said.
South Idaho Correctional Institution, has what Ray said was, "ongoing problems with the heat exchange." The main dorm is affected, and he said temperatures have been at 64 to 73 degrees. KTVB previously reported the prison was experiencing heating issues and waiting on a part for Unit 14's D-tier on Jan. 12.
"We expect the part that is needed to make repairs to arrive soon. We have provided residents with extra blankets and offered residents the opportunity to move elsewhere in the facility if they are uncomfortable," Ray said.
Ray was not clear about when the delivery of the heating part needed and time of repair will be.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.