An inmate at the Putnamville Correctional Facility has died after a viral outbreak at the prison. Authorities are blaming a progressive virus that causes severe shortness of breath, fatigue, joint aches, coughing and sweating.
18 patients began to show the pneumonia-like symptoms last week. Nine were sent to the hospital after their symptoms got worse. One of those patients died, and another is on a ventilator.
Nine others remain in the medical observation unit at the prison, near Greencastle. Safety precautions are being taken including isolation, bleaching of the unit and wearing masks.
Visitation at the facility is canceled until further notice.
