Man’s death at Manston asylum centre may have been caused due to diphtheria, says UK Home Office

The Manston asylum centre has faced a massive problem with overcrowding and various outbreaks of diseases. Initial tests at a nearby hospital came back negative, but a follow-up PCR test turned positive. The result indicated that Diphtheria might be the cause of the illness, ultimately leading to the death of the man at the centre. The man succumbed to his disease on November 19th after entering the UK on a small boat a week earlier. However, the coroner's report is yet to be released and confirm the cause of death.

A Government spokesperson, as per The Guardian, offered condolences to the deceased man and his friends and family. She further said that the local hospital initially provided a negative report for infectious disease, but the follow-up test indicated that the cause of illness might be Diphtheria. She also stressed that the final result will be known when the coroner presents their report. She said that they take the safety and health of their beneficiary with extreme seriousness and therefore have taken the necessary steps required for this situation. They are offering diphtheria vaccines to the people in the facility, which has proper healthcare faculties.



The centre provides basic accommodation for 1000 migrants while they undergo processing upon arrival, with the maximum limit going up to 1600. However, it was described as highly overcrowded, and people were treated like a zoo.

FAQs:

1. Where is the Manston Asylum situated?
   The facility is situated in Kent.
2. When did the migrant die?
   The man died on 19th November.