Herpes Simplex Virus Outbreak in Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home
Between August 20, 2025, and March 9, a significant outbreak of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) affected 92 inmates at the Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home (JCCH) in West Bengal. The outbreak resulted in seven deaths, raising concerns among health and correctional officials.
Impact and Response
- Out of 92 infected inmates, nearly half required segregation or treatment at State-run health facilities.
- Four inmates died at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, while three passed away at Jalpaiguri District Hospital.
- The last reported death was on March 6, involving a 48-year-old inmate.
Causes and Risks
- The prison is overcrowded, housing over 1,200 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of about 700.
- Overcrowding, close physical contact, shared utilities, and poor hygiene were identified as major risk factors.
Recommendations and Precautions
- Isolation and cohorting of infected individuals.
- Improvement of personal and hand hygiene.
- Enhancement of ventilation and decongestion of barracks.
- Regular monitoring by medical staff and daily situation reports.
Additional Context
- According to the 2023 Prison Statistics of India, West Bengal's district prisons have an occupancy rate of 158%.
- The prisons also house a significant number of foreign nationals, mainly from Bangladesh.
