Swine flu outbreak suspected in military prison
Soldiers at IDF's Prison Four say 15 sick inmates held in isolation, army fails to provide proper treatment. IDF denied claims
In recent days Ynet has received dozens of reports from soldiers and their parents about a swine flu outbreak in the IDF's Confinement Base 394, more commonly know as Prison Four.
According to the reports, 15 of the soldiers held at the prison have been isolated from the rest of the inmates due to suspicion they have contracted the H1N1 virus.
A phone conversation with one of the inmates revealed a grim picture. "What goes on here is a catastrophe," he said. "People are vomiting, are suffering from diarrhea, can't sleep, can barely walk, and the prison guards just tell them to take a rest."
The soldier said that "at least one soldier on average falls ill every day. They put you through hell before they let you see a doctor. We just want to be tested."
Another inmate said he has been at the prison for 47 days and have yet to undergo a medical examination.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit offered the following response: "Some soldiers in the unit in question are suspected to have contracted swine flu. All of the soldiers have been examined, are receiving medical treatment in accordance with their condition, and are being monitors by doctors.
"The army's health officials visited the unit and gave instructions to the commanders and soldiers. In addition, the necessary means to prevent the virus from spreading have been taken. As a preventive measure the soldiers have been put in isolation at the prison. In case this becomes necessary they will be referred to a hospital."
