Visits to specific housing units at Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg have been suspended after a potential case of chickenpox was identified at the facility.
Visits with people in housing 3A and 3B are suspended until further notice as of Wednesday, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.
The Illinois Department of Corrections stated that other units may still receive visitors if they do not show symptoms that would warrant quarantine. Officials are monitoring the situation closely because the varicella virus can spread quickly in a prison environment and cause serious health issues for adults.
Precautions are being taken because the highly contagious varicella virus, which causes chickenpox, could spread rapidly in the facility and can cause severe complications in adults.
The IDOC's Office of Health Services is overseeing the response and implementing protocols to prevent the virus from spreading further within the facility.
Inmates At Hill Correctional Center Quarantined Due To Virus Exposure
State officials said the inmates were exposed to the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Units impacted by the virus were placed on quarantine and visitation was suspended to prevent additional spread.
Families who planned to visit loved ones at the Galesburg prison will need to wait for further notice before being able to enter the facility again.