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PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A prison in southern Illinois is on partial lockdown while awaiting test results for two inmates who may have chickenpox.
Authorities say it's the second state prison this week where inmates are in isolation as a precaution to prevent chickenpox from spreading.
Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer said Saturday the Pinckneyville Correctional Center lockdown affects one cell wing. The department is following Illinois Department of Public Health precautions to protect staff and prevent spreading the possible viral infection.
Menard Correctional Center has also been in lockdown this week following five cases of chickenpox among inmates in one housing unit. Inmates were treated with anti-viral medication and at least three have recovered.
Shaer says it's unclear how long the lockdowns will be in effect.
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