Posted on Sun, Mar. 09, 2008
Greenville
| Prisoners who contracted staph infections settle suit

Greenville County has agreed to pay $80,000 to settle a lawsuit with 25 prisoners who contracted drug-resistant staph at the county jail.

The inmates accused the prison of providing substandard medical care and failing to provide basic sanitation during the staph outbreak nearly two years ago. County administrator Joe Kernell confirmed the settlement but said he did not know how the money will be distributed.

The attorney for the prisoners, Chip Howard, says he canīt reveal the terms of the settlement because the final paperwork had not been completed. Staph infections can spread through close skin-to-skin contact and in places with crowded living conditions and poor hygiene.

Contributing: The Associated Press

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/340796.html