Four inmates at an Arkansas jail are suing the county sheriff after learning they were given the horse dewormer ivermectin to treat Covid-19 after they became infected, NPR reports.
The prisoners were told that they were being given vitamins, antibiotics or steroids when they sought treatment, but the prison infirmary actually gave them ivermectin, a drug touted in right-wing circles as one of various miracle cures to treat coronavirus, but in actuality it is not clinically effective and can be harmful.
Edrick Floreal-Wooten, Jeremiah Little, Julio Gonzales and Dayman Blackburn say they were given such high doses of ivermectin, they developed vision issues, diarrhea, bloody stools and stomach cramps. The complaint names as defendants Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder, the Washington County Detention Center, Dr. Robert Karas and his medical practice, Karas Health Care.
“No one — including incarcerated individuals — should be deceived and subject to medical experimentation,” said Gary Sullivan, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which is representing the prisoners. “Sheriff Helder has a responsibility to provide food, shelter and safe, appropriate care to incarcerated individuals.”