Yesterday (3 August 2017) three young people at the Don Dale Detention Centre were diagnosed with suspected mumps.

The young people are back in the centre as the illness does not require hospitalisation.  They have been separated from general population.

The mumps is highly contagious even before symptoms begin to appear. This means that it is possible that other young people within the centre may also contract the mumps.

To prevent the spread of suspected mumps in the centre a number of protocols have been enacted including:

• specialist cleaning of the facility to reduce the potential spread of infection
• use of appropriate hygiene protective equipment for staff at the centre as advised by the Department of Health
• separation of known cases from general population
• separation of any new young people entering the centre from all population.

Families of the young people are being informed. Staff at and stakeholders within the centre have also been notified and will be provided with additional information as required.

The Centre for Disease Control will provide Territory Families with additional information regarding management of the suspected illness within the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

Further updates will be provided as required.

Media contacts;
For all enquiries regarding Don Dale Youth Detention Centre contact Territory Families: Rachelle Hobbs  0475 953 571

For all enquiries regarding the mumps contact the Department of Health: Dimitra Grehl  0427 596 954