Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard is reporting that the Jail is enduring two separate health related-issues.

On October 1st, the  Jail Division was notified of an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness.An inmate has tested positive for Salmonella. Other inmates and staff have also reported intestinal discomfort. The source of the bacteria has not been determined.

The MN Department of Health is currently on-site working with  Jail staff, medical services staff and food service staff to identify a potential cause. The investigation is ongoing, therefore visiting has been suspended and limited inmate movement and interactions has been put into place.

A cleaning company has been brought in to sanitize and clean the jail.

On September 26th, the Jail Division was notified that an inmate tested positive for Hepatitis A. Jail medical services staff along with Crow Wing County Public Health and Guide Point Pharmacy of Brainerd have been vaccinating inmates and employees that were potentially exposed to prevent additional infections.

Jail medical services staff are monitoring inmates for symptoms to identify any additional cases.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 7 weeks after being exposed to the virus.