The number of cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers who have recently arrived in the UK has risen to more than 50.
It comes after it was confirmed that one migrant who died after being held at the Manston processing centre in Kent had contracted the disease.
The man died in hospital on 19 November after entering the UK on a small boat seven days earlier.
The Home Office said it takes the welfare of those in its care seriously.
This week, health officials are set to confirm there have been more than 50 diphtheria cases among asylum seekers this year, the BBC understands.
According to government data, in 2021, there were three of the same strain.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes causes ulcers on the skin.
According to the NHS website, it’s spread by coughs and sneezes or through close contact with someone who is infected, and in severe cases can be fatal.
You can also get it by sharing items such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding with an infected person.
Babies and children in the UK are vaccinated against diphtheria, meaning cases are rare. However, the infection is potentially dangerous to migrants who come from countries where this is not the case.
The UK Health Security Agency (HSA) says it is not known if the more than 50 people who have or have had diphtheria were infected at Manston.
The body said that cases have been rising amongst asylum seekers across Europe and some people reported symptoms before arriving, and so could have been infected in their home country.
However, the incubation period for the illness is between two and five days, with a maximum of 10 days, so infections in people who were at Manston are likely to be recent.
A post-mortem examination is trying to determine whether the man held at Manston died because of his diphtheria infection.
According to a Home Office spokesperson, hospital tests indicate “diphtheria may be the cause of the illness”.
Initial tests were negative and the Home Office said at the time there was “no evidence at this stage” that the person had died from an infectious disease. But a follow-up PCR test for diphtheria has since produced a positive result.
Health officials have advised vaccines and antibiotics are offered to people on arrival at their new accommodation, and close contacts are identified.
BBC/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
