Diphtheria cases may rise as UK’s Home office moves migrants with suspected illness around country without proper screening

Health officials in the UK have raised concerns about migrants being moved to other parts of the country from Kent by the Home office without proper screening after reports suggested that many of them may have diphtheria. Reports suggested that several people suspected of having diphtheria left the Manston processing centre in Kent without proper checks.

According to media reports, a migrant, who passed away after staying at the Manston processing centre, suffered from diphtheria. Government officials at the time had discarded the claim stating that there was no evidence to suggest that the death occurred due to the deadly infectious disease. The news outlet reported on Sunday that post-mortem examinations on the dead migrant were underway.

However, another report said that the Home Office stated that the death might have been due to bacterial infection, diphtheria. It also suggested that government officials could confirm the number of infections on Monday, which might have surpassed 50. And as the migrants are being moved to other parts of the UK, concerns about the spread of infection have alarmed the officials.




As per reports, officials conducted a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the dead migrant, who might have been held unlawfully at the processing centre. The test results indicated that the infectious disease might have been the cause of death, though the final conclusion would be derived after the post-mortem results.

Speaking to the press, Prof. Jim McManus of the Association of Directors of Public Health said lack of constructive efforts has resulted in the spread of preventable diseases across the country. Prof. McManus further added that the situation has harmed the refugees and become more expensive and troublesome than the preventive measures.

FAQs:

1. When was the PCR test on the dead migrant conducted?
   On Saturday, November 26.
2. Where were the refugees held?
   Manston processing centre, Kent.