UKHSA Health Protection Briefing Note 2025/027 Update on the epidemiology of toxigenic diphtheria in asylum seekers arriving to England 2025 v1.0

An increase in cases of diphtheria caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae among asylum seekers arriving by small boat to England was initially noted in the summer of 2022, mirroring a similar increase across a number of European countries.

It is likely there will continue to be sporadic imported cases of diphtheria in the asylum-seeking population arriving to England and it is important cases are diagnosed and treated early as they remain susceptible to severe infection. The provision of health assessments, testing, antibiotic treatment and early catch-up with immunisations for new arrivals all remain key to limiting transmission, as the potential for outbreaks within communal accommodation settings remains.

All newly arriving migrants (including the AS population and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC)) should be offered routine vaccine catch-up, including a diphtheria containing vaccine, once registered in primary care and within the minimum possible timescale. Guidance is available for vaccine catch-up of individuals with uncertain or incomplete immunisation status and in the migrant health guide.

If you get any queries, please contact: rebecca.cordery@ukhsa.gov.uk