Number of infected prisoners rises at Southern State

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State officials now say the number of Southern State Correctional Facility prisoners infected with strep throat is up to 75.

The Springfield prison was put in a medical lockdown Tuesday to contain the spread of the illness, which was originally reported to have stricken 40 inmates and three members of the staff.

State officials now say 75 inmates have strep throat, but that the number is expected to decline as treatments take effect and containment measures _ including no visits and no inmates leaving the prison for court appearances _ take hold.

Disposable trays and eating utensils are being used, and those who have the illness are being confined to their cells so it doesn’t spread.

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