2 dead and 5 others affected in strep disease outbreak in an Ontario jail

There have been two deaths and five cases of strep disease linked to an outbreak at a correctional facility in Halton.

According to Halton Public Health, the Group A streptococcus outbreak happened at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. This bacterial infection spreads through person-to-person contact and often presents with mild or no symptoms.

Public Health Ontario reports that in rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream or deep tissue, leading to life-threatening complications.

The identities of those who died or were infected, including their ages and genders, have not been released.

In addition to this outbreak, the jail has also been dealing with cases of influenza A. In a statement issued Friday, Halton Public Health said it was working with Maplehurst and provincial partners to manage the outbreak and ensure infection prevention and control measures were in place to reduce risks to inmates and staff.

Correctional facilities like Maplehurst are considered high-risk environments for infectious disease spread due to close living quarters, frequent person-to-person contact, shared facilities and other underlying health factors.

Janet Laverty, co-chair of the OPSEU/SEFPO Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee, said in an earlier report that union members have also been impacted by the outbreaks.

“We were advised earlier this week by the Ministry. Multiple units are affected, and we have been advised that the Ministry is working with Halton Public Health and Public Health Ontario officials to respond to the outbreaks,” Laverty said.

She added that several workers required medical attention and that efforts were being made to ensure appropriate supports were in place.

Halton Public Health reported that the risk to the broader community remains low, but visitors to Maplehurst are advised to follow infection control guidance provided by the facility.