One dead, 18 ill in Putnamville Correctional Facility illness outbreak in Indiana

Federal health officials are helping their IN counterparts investigate flu-like illnesses at a state prison that have killed one inmate and left several others hospitalized.

They were admitted to an observation unit as part of the Indiana Department of Correction’s influenza control plan. Testing is ongoing to determine the cause of the pneumonia, which could have multiple viral or bacterial causes, she said.

Prison Superintendent Brian Smith says 35 inmates and at least five prison staff members developed symptoms.

Regional Hospital spokesperson Jennifer Stanley reported Monday that 17 patients had been admitted from the Putnamville prison. One of those patients died last Friday.

Now there are 9 inmates in the hospital under observation.

Indiana Department of Correction spokesman Isaac Randolph says officials aren’t sure what’s making the inmates sick. Those illnesses progressed rapidly in several inmates to pneumonia-like symptoms, including a severe shortness of breath. The release stated that safety precautions are being taken to protect the other inmates and staff.

Visitation is cancelled at the facility.