Lice outbreak in Cook County jail

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said Friday he has ordered isolation within a division of the Cook County Jail and a portion of Cermak Hospital after an outbreak of lice and scabies. Five detainees housed in a mental health unit of Cermak Hospital and 10 detainees assigned to a dorm within Division II have been diagnosed with the parasites. Affected detainees have been isolated from the general population to allow for their treatment and to prevent further infestation. Detainees housed in the affected units are also being provided preventative treatment. The units are being disinfected and detainees are being provided new linens and clothing.