A pair of inmates at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton have died, according to reports.
The deaths are being attributed by the Halton Region to an outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS). Public health officials are working with the facility and provincial partners to manage the outbreak and implement infection control measures.
The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has not confirmed the deaths but stated that Halton Public Health declared the outbreaks. Health care staff are monitoring affected units daily, assessing and treating symptomatic inmates, and increasing cleaning efforts. Any deaths during the outbreak are under investigation by public health and the coroner’s office.
There is also a reported influenza A outbreak at the prison. So far, neither of the deaths have reportedly been connected to that specific outbreak.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents correctional staff, has been informed of the situation by the Ministry of Health. Some employees have been affected by the outbreaks, with several requiring medical attention. Officials from Halton Public Health and Ontario Public Health are collaborating with the province to address the situation.
Group A strep spreads through direct contact and can cause mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In rare cases, the bacteria can become invasive, leading to life-threatening infections. Health officials have warned about a rise in cases across the country, particularly in group settings like shelters, dorms, and correctional facilities.
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
