Mumps outbreak shuts prison down

Visits and transfers to Broome Regional Prison have been temporarily suspended following an outbreak of mumps.

The Department of Corrective Services said two prisoners believed to have mumps have been isolated.

The DoCS said two staff members showing symptoms of the virus “were sent home immediately”.

The prison was still operating today, with temporary restrictions in place including limitations on transfers in and out of the facility.

Transfers scheduled to West Kimberley Regional Prison in Derby and any planned visits have been temporarily suspended and will be re-scheduled in the future.

The DoCS said it expected the temporary suspension to be in place for approximately two weeks.

“The department recognises that mumps is presently affecting communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions and is doing what it can to help limit its effects on its staff and the prisoners in its care, and therefore local communities,” a DoCS spokesman said.

The DoCS said all prisoners and staff have been offered access to the mumps vaccine, including temporary staff.