Ceuta health authorities assess infection risks amid migrant arrival

Health authorities in Ceuta have assessed the sanitary risk following the sudden arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in late July. The Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) has classified the infection risk for the local population as low, but has raised it to moderate for migrants due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, and limited access to safe water and food.

While migrants are often physically capable, the journey increases risks of injury, hypothermia, and mental health issues. The CCAES noted that overcrowding and inadequate sanitation can facilitate the transmission of respiratory, waterborne, and foodborne diseases.

In response to the situation, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, president of the People's Party, suggested the government consider a lockdown for public health reasons to prevent the spread of diseases like tuberculosis, scabies, and chickenpox. However, the Ministry of Health and epidemiological experts have rejected this proposal. Health Minister Mónica García stated that such a measure is “unjustified” and “counterproductive,” noting that the diseases present are common and treatable. Experts from the Spanish Society of Epidemiology emphasized that unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, the current cases do not involve a new or highly lethal pathogen that warrants extreme measures.