Two prisoners have contracted leprosy at the Tanumalala Prison in Samoa.
Minister for Police and Corrections, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, confirmed the prisoners have been isolated and treated at Tanumalala Prison.
“They are doing fine and they are in isolation. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.
The ministry suspects the disease was contracted from visitors.
“They are receiving the treatment they need and while it’s concerning how the disease made it’s way into the prison, we’re adamant the prisoners will be fine and healthy again,” said Tialavea.
He added leprosy was curable and treatment is available at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole national hospital.
Tialavea also said the prisoners’ treatment was working. Unless they are cleared, they will not be allowed out into the general prison areas.
“We have made changes to tour policies for visitation to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.
