Diphtheria spreads among Channel migrants dispersed from Manston
Concerns have been raised about the spread of diphtheria among Channel migrants after reports that dozens have come down with the highly contagious disease after being held at the Manston detention centre in Kent.
The Home Office has confirmed that one man who died after being held for days at Manston had received a positive test for the disease amid overcrowding at the centre.
Manston, which was built for a maximum of 1,600 people, was at one point holding over 4,000 after a surge of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. However the centre has been emptied recently with asylum seekers moved on by the Home Office to hotels around the country.
Mark Harper, transport secretary, said the UK Health Security Agency had been working closely with the NHS to ensure those struck with diphtheria at Manston received appropriate treatment and care.
This story originally appeared on: Financial Times - Author:Jim Pickard
