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Killer in the Air: Controlling Tuberculosis in Correctional Facilities

NCJ Number
148595
Author(s)
D Goldentyer
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video presents a strategy for combatting and preventing tuberculosis (TB) in correctional institutions.
Abstract
Through comments by health care professionals, narration, portrayals of health care services, and other illustrative visual images, this video presents a strategy for addressing TB in correctional facilities, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. It is a three-pronged strategy that consists of surveillance, containment, and assessment. Surveillance involves screening inmates at admission and continued testing of inmates at risk for TB to ensure that those with TB are promptly treated and isolated. The video identifies symptoms of TB. Containment involves the use of environmental and health care procedures that limit the spread of TB. It consists of the use of a respiratory isolation unit that prevents inmates infected with TB from contaminating the air breathed by inmates in the general population. The respiratory unit has a special ventilation system that introduces fresh air and diverts contaminated air to and from the facility. Other containment procedures suggested are a reduction in facility crowding and reduced inmate movement from one unit and facility to another. The assessment component of the strategy involves ensuring that surveillance and containment procedures are properly and continuously implemented.