Single case of scabies at Wethersfield Airbase
The UKHSA say the risk to the wider community is extremely low
It's been confirmed a single case of scabies is active at a former RAF base in Essex, which is being used to house asylum seekers.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed they were aware of a case at Wethersfield Airfield, where 46 people were moved onto the base last week.
They confirmed they're working with other agencies including the Home Office, NHS and Essex County Council, and that the risk to the wider community is extremely low.
Dr Ravi Balakrishnan, Duty Consultant, Health Protection at UKHSA, East said:
“Scabies causes an allergic response to a small mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The condition can be transferred from person to person by direct skin contact with an infected person. The symptoms include severe itching and often a rash, most commonly seen on the hands, but blisters can appear on other parts of the body. Symptoms can take up to 6 weeks to develop, during which time the infected person can pass the mite to others. Treatment is simple to give and works well to prevent the infection spreading to others.”
It's raised further concerns from those opposed to the plans for the site, with fresh calls from the Wethersfield Action Group, who said in a statement they, as well as other groups are "calling for the immediate suspension in the transfer of further asylum seekers to Wethersfield due to this, and also the impending court cases."
The groups press release also says that they believe the case of scabies "demonstrates a significant failure to screen people adequately prior to transfer to Wethersfield" and that these were assurances given to Braintree District Council as well reiterating concerns about the site due to it's size.
The Home Office have said that systems are in place to deal with any issues at the site and that the individual has been isolated and is being treated.
They've also said migrants do also undergo initial health screenings at asylum reception centres, with further checks conducted at asylum accommodation such as Wethersfield.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“We engaged with the local community before the use of Wethersfield and continue to work with them and key partners to manage the site and ensure any concerns are addressed.
“All appropriate protocols are being followed in accordance with UK Health Security Advice guidance to manage one case of scabies currently at Wethersfield. The individual has been isolated and is being treated.”