San Quentin closed as illness spreads

San Quentin State Prison was closed indefinitely to new inmates and visitors Wednesday as officials fought to contain a raging gastroenteritis outbreak among roughly 500 convicts and staff members.

The virus, which was first detected Dec. 28, has spread to all of the Marin County prison’s housing units except a relatively isolated one with 15 inmates. On death row, about one-fourth of the prison’s 620 condemned men have become sick, officials said.

Results of lab tests were pending, but health officials said that given the symptoms, they suspect norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus. Most of those sickened have experienced vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and fever.

“We are doing everything we possibly can to stop this illness so that it does not spread to the community and to ensure medical staff can treat the inmate patients,” said Warden Robert Ayers.

In addition to halting transfers out of the prison, Ayers has barred new admissions. San Quentin’s reception center for incoming inmates serves 17 Northern California counties, accepting about 400 new prisoners weekly. Administrators expect it to remain closed for at least a week.

Meanwhile, the warden has suspended education and work programs to prevent the virus from spreading further. Officials are using a bleach mixture to clean common areas and distributing gloves and hand sanitizer to staff members.

Inmates with symptoms are being confined to their cells. No one has been hospitalized, but some inmates have been given intravenous fluids, officials said.

Norovirus is hardy and is characterized by the sudden onset of violent vomiting and diarrhea, with symptoms lasting one to two days. Common in nursing homes, cruise ships and other settings where people share crowded spaces, the virus is usually passed via doorknobs, toilets or shared utensils.

While norovirus can be fatal, the more common outcome is severe dehydration.

jenifer.warren@latimes.com