VALE — For nearly a year, the Malheur County Jail proved to be an exception to the rule that COVID-19 can infiltrate correctional facilities and create mayhem.

Earlier this month, though, the jail’s luck ran out.

Between Jan. 4 and Jan. 7, the jail recorded 21 COVID-19 cases among employees and inmates. Overall, from the beginning of January through Monday, Jan. 25, 25 people — 17 inmates and eight sheriff’s office employees — were infected, said Travis Johnson, Malheur County undersheriff.

No one died or was hospitalized from the outbreak and the worst appears to be over, said Johnson.

“Right now, as far as I am aware, everyone else is on the mend. We don’t have any current cases,” said Johnson.