From Kim Minugh:
Eight inmates in Sacramento County's two jails have been quarantined after one of them was confirmed to be infected with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, according to authorities.
The other seven inmates have shown flu-like symptoms and have been tested for the virus, but medical staff members are awaiting results, said Sacramento County Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran. Officials also are screening for inmates who might have come into contact with the sick inmates, he said.
Contact visits with inmates at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center, where the 21-year-old infected inmate was housed, have been suspended for at least two weeks, Curran said. Visits behind glass at RCCC and at the Main Jail are still allowed.
Officials also are counseling inmates scheduled to be released soon about recognizing flu symptoms and how to take care of themselves, Curran said.
So far, no jail staff members have shown any symptoms, Curran said.
Curran said the measures were taken after sheriff's officials consulted with Sacramento County's public health officer Dr. Glennah Trochet, and Dr. Michael Sotak, the correctional health services interim medical director.
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