# 88 / 2008-07-04 Texas MRSA/Staph Infection Texas Correction Committee Members As a active member of the advocate/activist group, 2 Million Plus, I am making a urgent request for something to be done to enforce rules for cleaning procedures to be enforced. Please release an URGENT "SPECIAL ORDER" to each Unit's Warden to "TAKE ACTION" immediately to make cleaning the facilities a priority at all times.Penalties will be activated for all staff members that refuse to give cleaning supplies to necessary people to clean. Penalties of theft will be enforced for any Staff Employees removing cleaning supplies from the premises of any Unit at any time without a written order from the Warden. That Ain't No Spider Bite MRSA Staph Infection TDCJ Staphylococcus autreus is common bacteria found on human skin that causes no harm under normal circumstances. However, if the bacteria enter the body through the skin, such as a cut or ingrown hair, it can cause an infection, which appears typically as a boil but sometimes as an abscess. What is commonly called a "spider bite" by both offenders and sometimes-medical staff is ALMOST ALWAYS a staph infection in the form of a boil. And mis-diagnosis can lead to improper treatment. In TDCJ an in many other places in the U.S. there is a strain of staph infection spreading quickly, which is called MRSA a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. In the past Penicillin was used to treat staph. Then after a time some strains became resistant to penicillin and a new drug Methicillin was developed. Once again some strains found ways to resist Methicillin. This is why MRSA (Methicillian Resistant) Staph Aureus infections are now being seen. Last year alone there were almost 4,000 cases of MRSA reported in TDCJ. This does NOT include all the cases where an offender for one reason or another chooses not to go to the medical dept. Therefore the actual number is much likely much higher. Since this resistant strain is quickly spreading, this year the number of reported cases is expected to be noticeably more than last year. HOW IT SPREADS While the staph aureus bacteria can be found on many surfaces, it primarily colonizes on the human skin and spreads easily by direct skin to skin hand contact. Certain people are more prone to staph infections. Those include those who have underlying diseases such as HIV, Obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc and those who have been taking antibiotics for a prolonged period of time. Hand-washing is the most effective method in preventing its spread. If the inmate is misdiagnosed and treated for a spider bite, not only will the inmate be charged $3 co-pay, but also in most cases they WILL NOT receive the proper medication for the staph infection. The inmate needs to make sure that the infection is properly diagnosed as a boil or staph infection. Sometimes this is difficult since there are still medical personnel who will insist that it is a spider bite, not a boil. The inmate must convince them otherwise if they want proper treatment.. One way is to insist a culture be done. Once you have been diagnosed it is equally important the inmate receives the PROPER MEDICATION. The medical staff may prescribe Cephalexin (Keflex) for MRSA.THIS DRUG DOES NOT WORK AGAINST MRSA!!! Although is was an acceptable drug on previous strains, it is not effective against this new strain. In a letter dated Nov 7, 2002 Michael Kelly M.D. director of preventive medicine for TDCJ noted,"The policy was changed to recommend that Keflex nor be used for initial therapy based on analysis of our surveillance data on all staph infections. That policy change is in the process of being distributed to the units with a cover memo that points out the change". Since Keflex does work, what should be prescribed instead? The TDCJ Health Services Division Control Manual (Effective Date 11/1/02 Number B-14,16 Page states, ("Based" on culture surveillance, most MRSA isolates in TDCJ will be susceptible to either TMP/SMX (e.g) Bactrim DS or clindamycin. Bactrim is recommended for initial treatment pending receipt of (culture and sensitivity test) results usually within 2-3 days.) Continue treatment with a single antibiotic based on drug susceptibility results. If inmate is allergic to Trimethoprim or Sulfa, Clindamycin is the suggested alternative for initial therapy. It is imperative ALL the prescribed medication is taken, since failure to do so can result in the bacteria remaining in your system. Inmate must notify medical of the staph infection Make sure it is diagnosed as a boil or staph infection----NOT a spider bite. If they argue insisting it is a spider bite...insist on a culture to make sure you will receive the proper treatment and medication. Take ALL medication to avoid more resistant forms. MRSA is quickly spreading.

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July 2008 – Current Report on Conditions inside TDCJ

Tommy's Prison Blog: Staph Infections

http: //tommybilley. blogspot. com/2008/ 07staph-infectio ns.html

Tommy's Prison Blog .

Staph Infections

There is a major problem here in Texas prisons with Staph infections. Here on the Eastham Unit, it's not uncommon to see 40 to 50 people a day with big boils on them - that is Staph. It comes from being in such a nasty environment. It has gotten to the point where I don't even turn in my dirty clothes, boxers, socks anymore. I just wash them myself.

I don't want to wear some clothes that people with Staph infection have worn. Call it paranoia, I call it cautious.

You have to shower here with zoo people and the soap the state provides just sits in the soap slots in the showers. There's no telling how many people have used the soap or who has used the soap. If someone with Staph infection uses the soap and I come along behind him and use it, I get Staph.

It happens all the time. When I say it's a major problem, I mean just that. There are hundreds here on the Eastham Unit in Texas that have it, had it, or will have get it daily. That's not even considering the other 150 units in Texas.

But do these officials do anything about it? No, they don't. They have showers workers, but their job is to sweep up the soap on the floor and put it back in the soap slots. They don't sanitize the showers or scrub the floors and walls, etc. Have they never heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures?

Yet, they spend millions in taxpayer money to buy antibiotics that don't work half the time because the Staph strain builds up resistance against the meds they give out so handily.

Sure, it's prison but that doesn't mean we should have to live in filth. I have my own soap I use, just to avoid the community soap. I wash my own clothes because I don't want to chance wearing some infected clothes.

But even using these safeguards, I'm still susceptible to the Staph infection through sheets, towels, or just brushing against someone or something. It's becoming an epidemic and needs to be cleaned up - literally. Until then, all I can do is keep up my own hygiene and avoid the known risks.

Tommy Billey #680279
Eastham Unit
2665 Prison Road 1
Lovelady, TX 75851

Email: tommybilley@ gmail.com

Note: I cannot directly send or receive email but I am working through an editor who posts this blog for me. He will forward any email to me.

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FILTHY LIVING CONDITIONS

This is the reason MRSA Is flourishing inside the TDCJ Units. They are Incubators for MRSA. The board of Health has no oversite and the TDCJ denies these conditions exist.

also see:Victoria Johnson-Possible MRSA

-----Original Message-----

Something HAS to be done! There is a major health hazard that exists on the Estelle Transit unit.There are rats and roaches crawling around on Estelle "Transit". Estelle and others(Darrington). These places are filthy rotten cells, the mattresses are not disinfected between inmates. They have holes and cracks in the covers that allow everything into the mattress. The bunk, floors and walls of these cells are filthy with hairs, toenails, dander, piecies of food from inmates eating all meals in cell. Many are diabetic inmates who have open ulcerated wounds. They are dirty bloody bandages stuck on the floor around the toilet, which is black with filth. Some of these cells have no toilet paper. This is unexceptable, disgusting and uncalled for! Please look into this situation immediately! Thank you for any assistance in this matter.

-----Email Message Reply-----

From: Jackie McDonald
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 8:34 AM
Subject: RE: AWFUL CONDITIONS!

The Department of Health has no oversight. Please contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Their website is www.tdcj.state.tx.us Phone number: 936-437-2101
Jacquelyn Dosch McDonald, MPH, RD, LD, RN
Director Office of the Board of Health
Texas Department of Health
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756
512-458-7484; fax 512-458-7202

Below is a reply from TDCJ to a Complaint filed by Jeff Dicks Medical Coalition to TDCJ Ombudsmen regarding the filthy living conditions on the units

From: "rhodes68"
To: "linda"
Cc: , "Deann Roberts"
Subject: Fw: TDCJ-ID Estelle Unit / Living Conditions RESPONCE
Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2003, 6:28pm (CDT-1) X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
----- Original Message -----
From: "InstDiv Ombudsman"
To:
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2003 11:17 AM
Subject: TDCJ-ID Estelle Unit / Living Conditions

3-0-1861
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for contacting the Agency regarding living conditions at the Estelle and Darrington Units, as well as other unnamed TDCJ units. It is unfortunate that you are not able to witness living conditions first hand so that the exaggeration contained in your email could be exposed. TDCJ has many stringent policies in place to ensure a safe, clean and sanitary environment for offenders and staff alike. Living areas are constantly inspected for any substandard condition, notification to security staff or the unit maintenance department is all that is required to resolve the issue. All facilities are periodically inspected and routinely treated for rodents and insects according to established policies. If for some reason an offender is without a necessity item, such as toilet tissue, all he has to do is ask for additional supplies. If you will provide us with the names of specific offenders who have experienced the living conditions described in your letter, and an approximate time frame, we will be happy to initiate an inquiry on your behalf.
If we may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact this office.
Sincerely,
Les Layman
TDCJ-ID Office of Ombudsman
TDCJ-ID Office of Ombudsman (P.O. Box 99 ( Huntsville, TX 77342 ( (936) 437-6791 (Fax (936) 437-6668 ( inst.div@tdcj.state.tx.us
This information is provided to you in accordance with Section 493.016 Texas Government Code, and Agency policy. An initial response will be provided within ten days, with a final response usually within thirty days. Concerns reported as "life threatening" are addressed on a priority basis. Confidentiality requirements can restrict some information from being released.

My Letter to him regarding this and his replies

From: lindahull-tx@webtv.net (linda)
Date: Sat, Apr 5, 2003, 3:02pm (CDT-1)
To: inst.div@tdcj.state.tx.us (Les Laymen)
Cc: SDIcks@blomand.net, dmroberts72076@yahoo.com (Deann Roberts), rhodes68@citlink.net (rhodes68)

Subject: Re: Fw: TDCJ-ID Estelle Unit / Living Conditions RESPONSE

Mr. Les Laymen,
I am forwarding back your response to Ms. Rhodes regarding the filthy conditions which she filed a complaint to you about and sent me. You state to Ms.Rhodes "It is unfortunate that you are not able to witness living conditions first hand so that the exaggeration contained in your email could be exposed."(see fwd)
It is unfortunate that you Mr. Laymen are not able to witness living conditions first hand also so that the prevarications contained in your email could be exposed. To start you off on your Inquiry, here are some inmates you can talk to, to "INITIATE AN INQUIRY" as you state to Ms. Rhodes.
I am wondering why you did not initiate an inquiry already. If you would like some more names # statements and grievances that I have in my possession regarding these conditions please feel free to contact me.
Linda Hull/ special committee on Human Rights

Sworn Affidavits
Charles G. Ince # 89893
March 29, 2003
During the months of June, July and August of 2002 I was in transit from Coffield to Hospital Galveston several times going through a diagnosis process. While in transit I stayed at the Estelle unit in Huntsville. The conditions in which I was housed were very bad. The cells were filthy and had obviously not been cleaned in a very long time. Here was green slime growing in the toilets and sink, filth all over the floors, food splattered on the wall along with quite a bit of graffiti. There were roaches all over the place and on one occasion the bottom bunk was not attached to the wall. Breakfast was served to me in these conditions.

Affidavit 3/30/2003
Michael Dunlop # 761194
I Michael Dunlop have been going to the hospital at Galveston for my appointments. Before reaching the hospital at Galveston I was kept at Estelle unit in transit. The conditions were unsuitable for anybody. We were not given mattresses at times and when it was cold (November) we were not issued blankets. The toilets were broken with feces in the toilets. The cells were really dirty, rat feces were all over the cell, plus food from others who had been in there was all over bunks. On top on it all this is where I was being fed. Please check into this as I do not want anyone else to have to go through this.

Affidavit
Michael Short # 774048
Numerous times I have been in transit coming from Connally Unit to Galveston. Each time we would lay over at Darrington over night. Inmates are fed in these filthy cells. Most of these cells do not have light bulbs, toilet paper, some have no mattresses. The cement floors are stained with filth. The metal bed frames are filthy with hair, food, finger nails and food droppings, Inmates have to eat in their beds. The toilet sink combo is a filthy nasty mess. Some have spit drippings from Inmates who brush their teeth in the dark, sometimes feces in bowl and most times no toilet paper. A lot of inmates are sick and have diarrhea. The upper bunks are dangerous as they have no ladders and no rails to keep inmates from falling out.
If we refuse to go into these cells we are written disciplinary cases. All disciplinary cases are reviewed by parole board. Warden Morris here at Carol Young Facility once told me and others that offenders have no rights only privileges and privileges can be taken away for any reason or no reason at all.

Larry White# 616652
Can you see that I do not go to Estelle for tel-a-med. I have to spend 2 days in transit. I can't take it, Estelle transit is full of roaches and rats and filthy cells. Nothing is clean. I was put on a top bunk with no latter and had to climb up by hand, my back can't take this.

Grievance filed 4/1/03
By Anthony Burke # 854707
It is very filthy on this cell block. I have tried to get cleaning agents but the officers have always said there is none. The trash is piled up and left on the floor for hours and bugs are feeding off of it. The run has not been mopped for a week. When the trash is pushed into a pile, spilt milk and other food remains that has decomposed creating a rotten odor as it is left to decay. Action requested Please allow it to be cleaned up and provide the necessary antiseptic materials. Enforce existing rules that apply to clean conditions. Officer spoke with Hudson Co Response: I don't know what to tell ya. Action taken: None

Grievance filed by Curtis Platt #1031421 3/31/03
It is degrading to live in such a trash dump that is neglected to this extent. I am forced to live in conditions that cause the bugs that are seen to increase in numbers. The trash is just left on the floor for hours and when it is picked up, there is a stinking mess of grime that is left and not mopped up. I need cleaning detergent for my cell and I have asked every officer on this cell block and they say they don't have any.
Resolution requested: provide a clean cell block and let me have soap to clean my cell. Staff officer spoke with: Hudson Co What was response? Don't have any cleaning materials.

Grievance filed 3/31/03.
Larry Carter tdcj# 101000
The filth and trash has reached a level that is ridiculous. The obvious buildup of grime that the roaches are seen feeding on is a clear indication of the management to provide a clean safe environment. Trash is swept into a pile maybe 2 times a day and reaches 10 ft long 8ft wide and 2 ft high and left for 8 to 10 hours. There is constantly trash on the run. 204 + men must throw their breakfast, lunch and dinner remains out of the cell. For the past 6 days no one has mopped the area, leaving pancake syrup, milk, peanut butter and all kinds of grime on the adjacent wall and floor for at least 30 yards down this cell block alone. I have tried repeatedly to obtain cleaning materials for my cell and been denied. A rat was seen feeding off the garbage yesterday 3/29/03. This problem has reached conditions that create a health hazard.
Resolution requested: Clean this place up and keep it clean. Provide cleaning materials so we can do our part. Enforce cleaning on a daily basis to reach a condition of cleanliness.
Note: Several Inmates on Beto 1 unit state when anyone comes to inspect from outside that warden is notified beforehand and has it cleaned for the inspectors that day and then it goes back to same way.

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I RECEIVED THIS SORRY RESPONSE BACK FROM:( Les Layman TDCJ Ombudsmen)..WHY THEN DID HE TELL MS. RHODES TO SEND HIM NAMES AND UNITS???

From: inst.div@tdcj.state.tx.us (Les Layman)
Date: Tue, Apr 8, 2003, 2:10pm
To: lindahull-tx@webtv.net
Subject: multiple offender statements/letters re: TDCJ-ID living conditions

Dear Ms. Hull:
This is in response to your recent email dated April 5, 2003 to this office and to TDCJ-ID Director Janie Cockrell concerning the living conditions of offenders within TDCJ-ID.
You have included copies of a number of offender letters to you, however, our office is not designed to respond to offender letters nor is it designed to negate the Offender Grievance Process. The one offender who indicates a grievance has been filed on March 31, 2003 has not even received a response from the unit authorities. We are confident that should corrective action be warranted in the matter in question, the unit authorities will take the appropriate action. Should offender Platt be dissatisfied with the response from unit authorities, he is encouraged to file with the regional headquarters of his unit by submitting a Step 2 grievance.
The other matters in your communiqué, as I have indicated above, do not constitute inquiries from the general public. The Offender Grievance Process has been developed to assist offenders in conveying their concerns to unit administrators. The process also allows for an off unit review via a Step 2 part of the process; and at each level the offender will receive a written response for his or her records. The offenders are free to share these as they like. Should you have remaining questions after an offender has made full use of this most useful administrative tool, we will do our best to address such for you.
Please be aware that the information provided to Ms. Rhodes was accurate; there are a number of policies in place to exterminate for pests and insects regularly, support service offenders are assigned to common areas to assist in cleaning details, and cleaning supplies are provided to offenders for use in their cubicles and cells. Inspections of housing and common areas are conducted daily by staff, and discrepancies are reported for appropriate repairs and/or sanitization. Offenders are encouraged to take an active role in this process, by communicating any undetected discrepancies as they become aware of them.
The Agency remains committed to providing a safe and clean living environment for the offenders entrusted to our custody, and our policies and actions will continue to reflect such.
We hope this information is helpful. Our office will remain available to you for future inquiries.
Sincerely,
Les Layman
TDCJ-ID Office of Ombudsman
(P.O. Box 99 ( Huntsville, TX 77342 ( (936) 437-6791 (Fax (936) 437-6668
( inst.div@tdcj.state.tx.us
This information is provided to you in accordance with Section 493.016 Texas Government Code, and Agency policy. An initial response will be provided within ten days, with a final response usually within thirty days. Concerns reported as "life threatening" are addressed on a priority basis. Confidentiality requirements can restrict some information from being released.

"TAKE ACTION"
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TEXAS Correction Committee Members

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