Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC) has implemented a range of precautions after a prisoner was diagnosed with mumps.

The prisoner, who recently came to DCC from Katherine, has been isolated in an accommodation sector.

The appearance of the disease in DCC follows a similar event at Alice Springs Correctional Centre two weeks ago, where four prisoners were diagnosed with the disease, and is believed to be sourced from an outbreak in the Tennant Creek and district community.

A spokesman for the Department of the Attorney-General and Justice said there have been no changes to normal prison operations.  However women who are pregnant might consider postponing visits to the prison.

The disease presents a danger to pregnant women by increasing the risk of miscarriage.

DCC staff members who are pregnant, or who have family members who are pregnant, are being reassigned to other duties to reduce their risk of exposure. 

All DCC staff have been offered mumps vaccination.

The NT Department of Health’s Centre for Disease Control has advised that 74 cases of mumps – the majority from the Tennant Creek district – have been diagnosed in the Northern Territory since March 1 this year.  These cases have been linked to a larger outbreak in Western Australia.

Further Information: David Harris, Manager, Corporate Communications & Media; 08 89357488, 0400342389.