The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has temporarily suspended visits to adult and juvenile correctional institutions across the island, effective until December, following confirmed cases of influenza at the St Catherine and Tower Street Adult Correctional Centres.

This measure aims to prevent the further spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of inmates and staff.

Family members will still be allowed to drop off food for inmates on Wednesday, November 20, as scheduled in accordance with established guidelines.

The DCS says it is working closely with relevant ministries and agencies to manage and contain the outbreak.

There was a similar influenza outbreak at the Kingston Central police lock-up earlier this year, where six confirmed cases were reported and 20 inmates exhibited symptoms.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Flu activity in Jamaica typically increases from October to November, peaks between December and March, and can continue into May.