Officials: Bedbugs force York County work release prisoner furlough

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Bedbugs are forcing York County Prison inmates out of their work release housing "trailers" until the areas can be treated, according to Carl Lindquist, York County spokesman. (FILE PHOTO)

About 90 work release prisoners will be allowed to stay with friends or family while the trailers are sprayed for the bugs later this week, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

The minimum-security prisoners are permitted by a judge to leave the facility for employment and sometimes receive furloughs for funerals or other personal events.

A broader furlough, approved by order of the York County Court of Common Pleas, will take place between Thursday and Sunday mornings, the release states.

The furlough, which does not affect female work-release prisoners, will affect some of those who live in the work release "trailers," according to officials. The main prison building is not affected.

The presence of bedbugs was first reported 14 days ago and believed to be part of an isolated area, which was treated. An inspection by an exterminator determined the bugs had spread to other areas.

Lindquist said prison officials believe the bugs were brought in by one or more prisoners, but they are unable to track where the prisoner might have come in contact with the bugs.

The prisoners have not reported any sort of injury or illness because of the bugs, Lindquist said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, "Bed bugs should not be considered a medical or public health hazard."

The bugs are not known to spread disease, according to the CDC, and are mostly an annoyance because they can lead to excessive itching.

Lindquist said prison officials are working with the inmates to determine their plans while the trailers are being treated. If they don't have a place to stay, they will remain at the prison in a different area.

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Officials: Bedbugs force York County work release prisoner furlough

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