Possible tuberculosis case identified in Oregon state prison

SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – A potential case of tuberculosis was identified in an Oregon state prison on Friday, the Oregon Department of Corrections said on Saturday.

DOC said an inmate at the Oregon State Penitentiary who had been there for about four months showed symptoms of the illness.

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or sings.

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On Saturday, the inmate was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital for testing. Once that is complete, they will be moved to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility infirmary, where they will be isolated in a negative pressure cell.

“We understand that this news is concerning, but we are taking every necessary step to manage this situation effectively,” said DOC Director Mike Reese. “Our priority is to safeguard the health and safety of everyone in our care — staff and incarcerated individuals alike. We have well-trained medical staff at every institution, and they are addressing any concerns staff or AICs have as more information becomes available.”

The Department of Corrections said they were working with the Oregon Health Authority to ensure proper isolation, infection control, testing, contact tracing and medical evaluation to take care of the sick person while protecting staff and other inmates.

DOC said full results from tests to confirm the case could take up to two weeks.

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