Measles Outbreak at El Paso
A measles outbreak at the Fort Bliss detention camp in El Paso has politicians on both sides looking for answers. As the disease spreads Democrats are again urging the facility known as Camp East Montana to be shut down. Right now about 14 people are sick and over 100 others are being kept away from everyone else to stop the spread of measles.
The outbreak was publicly acknowledged by a U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat whose congressional district is in that facility. She has closed the detention center to visitors and attorneys. Officials have stated that the closure is intended to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease. The closure will remain in place until March 19 or 20. The closure will restrict in person access to legal counsel for those that are detained.
Existing Health Concerns
Measles is a viral infection preventable by vaccination, but it is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads through respiratory droplets in the air and can last up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Public health experts state that the symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The complications can be severe in people who are unvaccinated or have a weak immune system.
The current outbreak at Camp East Montana has also had a recent COVID-19 and tuberculosis outbreak. The facility continues to have public health issues due to systemic problems with medical care, sanitation and overall living conditions at the facility.
Advocates have pointed out that during multiple visits they have observed that the staff does not wear protective equipment and question the disease prevention practices inside the camp.
Call for Closure
Last week a letter to the Department of Homeland Security was sent and stated that Camp East Montana should be closed immediately after its latest disease update. The letter also stated that the conditions were deteriorating. The letter also urged the Department of Justice to investigate the facility’s contractor.
Lawmakers wrote that the site cannot continue to operate with the spread of an infectious disease and repeated complaints about inadequate medical care and unsanitary living conditions. Several detainees have reported serious injuries and medical neglect. The staff has delayed care for broken bones, diabetes, and other urgent health needs.
Advocates and legal representatives have documented reports where detainees struggled to obtain medical attention, further fueling criticism of the camps management. Pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with HIV have reported to not receive proper care.
Deaths and Allegations of Abuse
The measles outbreak adds on to a series of incidents at Camp East Montana. In the past six weeks, three deaths have been reported at the detention facility.
One of those deaths was 55 year old Geraldo Lunas Campos who was in medical distress because of ICE officials, but later ruled as a homicide by staff members. Another detainee’s family reported a third fatality. These deaths highlight ongoing issues that have no transparency or accountability within the facility’s operations.
There have been allegations of abuse and serious injuries inflicted by ICE staff members. Detainees have reported blocked cameras, physical harm, and no medical treatment.
Courtesy Of Loco Steve (Flickr CC0)Public Health and Community Concerns
Public health officials have been monitoring the measles outbreak closely. While vaccination rates in the El Paso County are high and about 98% are immunized against measles. Local health authorities have confirmed cases both within the camp and in the community last week.
City officials are being careful not to blame the camp for the disease. City officials are getting much information from the state about how the virus spread. The Texas health department has avoided giving answers to the public. This highlights how difficult it is for local health offices to work with federal detention centers.
Contractor Role and Government Response
Camp East Montana was built quickly last year after a company called Acquisition Logistics LLC won a $1.3 billion contract. The strange part was that this Virginia company has never run a camp center before. Some people want more of these camps built all across the country. Both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have refused to answer questions about the spread of the disease or when the camp will allow visitors again.
A Spotlight on Detention Practices
The spread of the disease at Camp East Montana is more than just a medical problem. It has started a huge national argument about how the U.S. treats people in its care and who is actually running these facilities. As leaders and health experts keep looking for answers, this crisis highlights just how difficult and dangerous it is without adequate care.
This crisis also proves that without real change and better medical staff the facility will continue to be a danger to the detainees and the community of El Paso.
By William Hernandez
Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed, and educated.
Sources:
Texas Tribune: 14 measles cases reported at El Paso ICE tent camp as Democrats call for its shuttering
El Paso Times: El Paso ICE Camp East Montana under quarantine after measles outbreak
Featured Image Courtesy of Focal Foto Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Loco Steve Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
