Cook County Jail isolates detainees because of flu-like symptoms

Three residential units at the Cook County jail are under isolation and another is under heightened surveillance after several detainees began showing flu-like symptoms Tuesday.

There will be no movement of detainees in the units under isolation, including visits and court appearances, according to a statement from the Cook County sheriff’s office. The detainees in the unit under surveillance will be allowed to make court appearances and other limited movements.

About 70 detainees have been affected by the isolation of Division 08/Residential Treatment Unit Tier 2E; Division 1 Tier E3; and Cermak Hospital Unit 3 South. The heightened surveillance is taking place at Division 3 Annex Tier B3, the sheriff’s office said. All detainees are being screened before any movement.

The sheriff’s office said the jail will enhance its regular disinfection efforts across the compound, and staff and medical personnel are monitoring the situation. No set length for the isolation has been determined, with that decision to be made as the medical staff warrants.