8 Dona Ana Inmates Contract Infection At Jail

Eight detainees at the Dona Ana County Detention Center reportedly have been diagnosed with a highly contagious, drug-resistant bacterial infection.

Dona Ana County spokesman Jess Williams said that eight inmates at its corrections facility have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Williams said that there are 800 inmates at the jail.

MRSA is a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria that’s resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections.

Some say they’re afraid the infection could spread to officers or people outside the walls of the jail.

Detention Director Chris Barela says the jail is aware of the situation and people shouldn’t worry about an outbreak.

A state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health said jails are an environment where MRSA can transmit fairly easily.

Dr. Mack Sewell said health officials see similar situations throughout the state’s detention centers “several times a year.”