Migrant death: Diphtheria link

A man’s death at the Manston migrant processing centre may have been caused by a diphtheria infection, the Home Office has said.

Initial tests at a hospital near the centre in Kent, which has struggled with overcrowding and outbreaks of disease, came back negative – but a follow-up PCR was positive.

The result indicates that “diphtheria may be the cause of the illness”, according to a statement. The highly contagious infection affects the nose and throat and sometimes causes ulcers on the skin. The man died in hospital on November 19 seven days after it is believed he entered the UK on a small boat.

The UK Government said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who has died. Initial test results processed by a local hospital for an infectious disease were negative, but a follow-up PCR test was positive, indicating that diphtheria may be the cause of the illness.

“The coroner will conclude in due course.”