Manston migrant processing centre 'is hit by NEW diptheria outbreak'
Manston migrant processing centre ‘is hit by NEW diptheria outbreak with at least six cases’ – after man suffering from the disease died there
- At least six people have tested positive and are isolating, according to GB News
- A man who was at the migrant centre may have died from diptheria last month
- Home Office refused to provide number of new cases at the facility in Kent
- Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said those with symptoms will isolate
Fresh cases of diphtheria have been found at the asylum seeker processing centre at Manston in Kent, with at least six people testing positive for the disease.
The cases, as reported by GB News, come after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed an increase in instances of the highly contagious disease among asylum seekers arriving in the country.
A post-mortem examination is being carried out to determine the cause of death of a man who was at the centre and died in hospital on November 19 after crossing the Channel seven days earlier.
Although initial tests came back negative, a follow-up PCR test indicated ‘diphtheria may be the cause of the illness’, Government officials said.
New cases of diptheria have been found at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent, with at least six people testing positive according to GB News
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has faced criticism over conditions and outbreaks of disease at Manston processing centre
In early November, the Manston facility was housing 4,000 people despite its capacity of 1,600, but it is understood that it has since emptied
The fresh cases were reported by GB News along with footage of a large dormitory where those being accommodated sleep close to each other.
A total of 161 migrants were intercepted by the UK authorities crossing the English Channel in 14 boats on Thursday December 1, with one boat arriving in the UK in an ‘uncontrolled landing’, according to Ministry of Defence figures.
A Home Office spokesman refused to provide a number of new cases of diphtheria at the Kent centre, saying it would not give a ‘running commentary’ on cases.
He said: ‘It is untrue to suggest there is an outbreak on site. Migrants are arriving at Manston with diphtheria.
‘We take both the welfare of those in our care and our wider public health responsibilities extremely seriously.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said on Monday that asylum seekers with symptoms of diphtheria would be put into isolation while being treated
161 migrants were intercepted by the UK authorities crossing the English Channel in 14 boats on Thursday December 1. Pictured: Bags containing the belongings of those who have arrived at Manston migrant processing centre
A man who was at the centre died in hospital on 19 November and the Home Office said ‘diphtheria may be the cause of the illness’
‘We work closely with the NHS and UKHSA to support individuals affected by infection and limit transmission, as well as ensure information is shared in a timely way and that everyone leaving facilities such as Manston is given access to appropriate treatment.
‘The Home Office provides 24/7 health facilities at Manston as well as having robust contingency plans to deal with health issues such as communicable diseases.’
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said on Monday that asylum seekers with symptoms of diphtheria would be put into isolation in a designated area while being treated.
Any asylum seekers who may have the infection but are already in hotels will be told to isolate in their rooms while they are treated.
The number of migrants arriving in the UK on small boats so far this year has surpassed 40,000 and is expected to reach 50,000 by the end of 2022
DIPTHERIA: HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS INFECTION THAT CAN KILL
How diphtheria is spread
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It’s spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who is infected.
You can also get it by sharing items, such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding, with an infected person.
Symptoms of diphtheria
Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after becoming infected.
Symptoms of diphtheria include:
- a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue
- a high temperature (fever)
- sore throat
- swollen glands in your neck
- difficulty breathing and swallowing
In countries with poor hygiene, infection of the skin (cutaneous diphtheria) is more common.
If it’s cutaneous diphtheria, it can cause:
- pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands
- large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin
Source: NHS
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has faced criticism over conditions and outbreaks of disease at Manston processing centre as well as failing to slow the number of Channel crossings.
In early November, the Manston facility was housing 4,000 people despite its capacity of 1,600, but it is understood that it has since emptied.
Last week she admitted the Government ‘failed to control our borders’ but blamed desperate migrants and people smugglers for the overcrowding in Manston.
‘I tell you who’s at fault. It’s very clear who’s at fault. It’s the people who are breaking our rules, coming here illegally, exploiting vulnerable people and trying to reduce the generosity of the British people. That’s who’s at fault,’ she told MPs.
More than 40,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to reach the UK in 2022 so far, with the figure estimated to hit 50,000 by the end of the year.
The UKHSA said there had been an ‘increase’ in cases of diphtheria reported among asylum seekers arriving in the UK, with 50 identified as of November 25 including children. The figure stood at 39 on November 10.
Mr Jenrick told the Commons on Monday that the isolation centres would be ‘secure isolation hotels’, such as those used during the coronavirus pandemic, and that migrants would then be moved to other accommodation once they had made a full recovery.
The level of infectious diseases in migrant camps in northern France is also being assessed, he added.
Earlier in November, Mr Jenrick said that all migrants were being offered a vaccine on arrival in the UK and he added that the acceptance rate was ‘increasing’.
Ministers and health officials have insisted the risk of the public getting diphtheria is very low and infections are rare.
The illness – which affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin – can be fatal if not treated quickly but antibiotics and other medicines are available.
Some public health experts have raised concerns about the spread of the disease as migrants were moved to hotels.
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