News Releases

INFECTIOUS DISEASES PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN CANADIAN FEDERAL PENITENTIARIES 2000-2001

BACKGROUNDER

Inmates in correctional facilities around the world bear a disproportionate burden of illness related to infectious diseases compared to the general population. The high prevalence of infectious diseases in federal prisons raises several concerns regarding the increased risk to inmates, staff and the community at large upon reintegration.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is committed to controlling the spread of infectious diseases in Canadian federal penitentiaries. Several measures are currently in place and health surveillance is an integral part of disease prevention and control. One key measure was the implementation of the Infectious Disease Surveillance System (IDSS) in January 2000, which strengthens CSC's ability to gather and analyze health information about infectious diseases in the federal inmate population across the country.

The IDSS is an ongoing effort by CSC to enhance its capacity for public health surveillance by capturing more complete data on infectious diseases in Canadian federal penitentiaries, particularly HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis.

The report on Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control in Canadian Federal Penitentiaries 2000-2001 is the first comprehensive analysis of infectious diseases data obtained through the IDSS. The report compiles and integrates data from all of CSC's 53 federal penitentiaries. It was prepared by CSC and the Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control at Health Canada. Health Services staff across CSC collected the data and public health specialists from Health Canada carried out the analysis and quality control.

The report will help CSC to further identify and examine evolving trends in infection rates in the inmate population and thereby better target particular high-risk groups for interventions. The surveillance data will be used to determine future policy and program requirements within CSC.

A better understanding of surveillance data will also allow CSC to expand harm reduction strategies, education and treatment while promoting healthy lifestyle practices among inmates. The correctional setting presents an important public health opportunity for early detection and provides infected persons with appropriate care, treatment and counseling to prevent future transmission of infection.