A 51-year-old prisoner with a history of medical problems died late yesterday at the Corradino prisons, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

First indications showed he died of natural causes, it added.

Police investigations and a magisterial inquiry have been launched and several court experts have been appointed. 

A prisoner died at Mater Dei Hospital last week as a result of the flu and three other prisoners were hospitalised after showing flu symptoms.

Several other prisoners are being treated for flu symptoms at the prisons.

Over the weekend the Malta Police Association ordered its members not to escort prisoners showing flu symptoms unless they were offered protective clothing. The directive was lifted yesterday morning when masks and clothing were provided.

The association said it had a written assurance from the health authorities that the situation was under control.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Chris Fearne, has said that the flu in the prison, a variant of Swine Flu, is now considered seasonal influenza. It is the same type found in the community. Vaccines were provided months ago for free to whoever wished to take them. Some are still available at health centres.

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