Cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers are continuing, including in the West Midlands, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
But the figure for our region is low, with most cases being found around London and the south east.The UKHSA said five cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers were reported between December 12 and 18.
Last month, the immigration minister told MPs asylum seekers with symptoms of diphtheria would be put into isolation after the UKHSA said there has been an"increase" in the number of infections among those coming to the UK. Home Secretary Suella Braverman faced criticism about overcrowding and outbreaks of disease at Manston amid concerns a man held there may have died from a diphtheria infection.
The illness - which affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin - can be fatal if not treated quickly but antibiotics and other medicines are available.
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