Mule Creek State Prison officials declared a lockdown on two of the prison's buildings last week after nearly 50 inmates began experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to the prison's public information officer, Chris Weathersbee.

From Tuesday, March 18 to Friday, March 21, 46 Mule Creek inmates were evaluated for flu-like symptoms, he said. Two of the prison's three facilities were locked down, meaning inmates were confined to their cells in efforts to stop the virus from spreading, Weathersbee said. Building B returned to non-lockdown status on Friday; building C remains the only building on lockdown.

"This shows Mule Creek prison's commitment to its employees, inmates and community," Weathersbee said, adding that he was unaware of any past lockdowns related to flu or any other type of outbreaks. The cause of the current outbreak is unknown.

Germ samples from afflicted inmates were sent to the Amador County Public Health Department last week in efforts to determine the virus at hand, Weathersbee said. The health department has ruled out the possibility of both Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or "staph" infection, and noro viruses, and is currently still examining the samples.

One staff member at the prison came down with flu-like symptoms last week, Weathersbee said. Health care staff members are providing care to inmates and staff in satellite areas throughout the prison.

Mule Creek State Prison is an all-male facility located in Ione. There are 3,679 inmates and 1,100 employees at the prison.