Inmate eaten alive by insects and bed bugs in Atlanta jail

"It's no secret that the dilapidated and rapidly eroding conditions of the current facility make it incredibly difficult to meet the goal of providing a clean, well-maintained and healthy environment for all inmates and staff," the Fulton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The Office, which runs the jail, has announced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Thompson's death. In addition, the statement said, it had made an immediate expenditure of $500,000 "to address the infestation of bed bugs, lice, and other vermin within the Fulton County Jail".

The jail has also updated "protocols for security rounds to include addressing sanitary conditions," according to the statement.

"The ongoing investigation is examining details regarding the medical care provided and ultimately will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted in this case," the statement said.

The Sheriff's Office also reiterated a call for building a new, larger jail to "provide an elite level of care, mental health services, security and cleanliness." County commissioners are studying feasibility plans for a new Fulton County Jail to replace current facilities which have a long reputation of being overpopulated, underfunded, and unsanitary.

Last year, the Southern Center for Human Rights published a press release titled Uncontained Outbreaks of Lice, Scabies Leave People at Fulton Jail Dangerously Malnourished, in which it outlined the many troubles plaguing the facility and offered recommendations to "contain future outbreaks" and improve "hygiene practices". (BBC)