An outbreak of chicken pox at one of the units housing trial awaiting inmates at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, has resulted in the unit being quarantined.

Commissioner Veikko Armas, the head of the facility, confirmed the news to New Era yesterday. He indicated that the outbreak started about a month ago when one of the inmates was diagnosed with the disease. 

The inmate recovered completely after medical intervention. However, the commissioner said about two weeks later, another inmate contracted the disease and spread to 12 other inmates out of a population of 101. He told this publication that the outbreak is contained and under control. Armas further said they were advised by medical personnel to quarantine the unit where the outbreak occurred for safety reasons.  The quarantine is to continue until Friday while they monitor the situation. He further said the unit and the bedding of the 101 inmates in that section were disinfected to curb the further spread of the disease. 

The officer assures the public that the situation received the highest priority. 

No trial awaiting inmates from the affected section are allowed to attend court proceedings until the situation is cleared by medical professionals, he reiterated. 

-rrouth@nepc.com.na