TERMINAL ISLAND : 25 Prison Inmates Treated for Intestinal Disorder

The federal prison at Terminal Island has treated 25 inmates this month for an intestinal infection known as shigella, according to a prison official.

The infection, which causes diarrhea and cramping, was first reported Aug. 9 at the 1,250-inmate prison near Los Angeles Harbor, said Warden Mark Henry. Inmates are being treated at the 13-bed infirmary, which has been equipped with extra bunk beds.

Shigella, or shigellosis, can be transmitted on unwashed produce, Henry said. The county Department of Health Services surveyed the prison kitchen Friday but did not pinpoint the source of the infection, he said. Five cases have been reported among inmates who work in food service, he said.

The outbreak appears to be confined to the prison population, said Sharon Wanglin of the health department.