More cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers have been reported in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. The total number of cases for the year so far now stands at 67, figures published on Tuesday (December 20) show.
The UKHSA said five cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers were reported between December 12 and 18. In the previous week – from December 5 to 11 – the total was 62 after another five cases were reported. This time last month – between November 14 and 20 – the number was 45.
Fifty of the cases were recorded in the South East, six were in London, and there were fewer than five in each of the following areas: East of England, West Midlands, South West, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, the latest report said. No breakdown by county has been provided.
