Warning Brexit may mean spread of infectious diseases

THE UK’s ability to tackle the spread of infectious diseases could be impaired after Brexit, a report has warned.

A failure to maintain good relationships with European experts could pose a ‘significant threat’ to public health, the Brexit Health Alliance said.

The coalition group called for the issue to be addressed as a priority in negotiations over Britain’s departure from the EU.

Niall Dickson, co-chairman of the Brexit Health Alliance, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health protection after the UK leaves the EU.

“But we should be under no illusion – if we fail to reach a good agreement on the EU and UK’s future relationship, that could be a significant threat to public health. “This cannot and should not be ignored. “Infectious diseases do not respect borders and we need to tackle them together.”

The group’s report, published on the first day of the NHS Confederation conference, warns disease prevention could be compromised if the UK leaves the EU early warning system.

Health authorities currently work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to track outbreaks of infections such as measles.

A recent case of a highly-resistant strain of gonorrhoea contracted by a UK man – who was eventually successfully treated – involved collaboration between Public Health England (PHE), ECDC and the World Health Organisation, the Brexit Health Alliance said.

The group called for the UK to maintain access to the ECDC.