Iranian asylum seeker Hamid Kehazaei died from rare bacterial infection from Manus Island

Iranian asylum seeker Hamid Kehazaei is reported to have died on Manus Island from a rare bacterial infection that has a high mortality rate.

A worker on the island told Fairfax Media Mr Kehazaei died from severe septicemia after having been kept for a week on the island by the International Health and Medical Service after cutting his foot.

The bacteria was found in tropical and subtropical climates in soil and stagnant water mostly during summer, and cases of infection had been reported in Australia, south-east Asia, India, Argentina and south-east United States.

A man who said he was a former Manus Island detainee, Ali Mesbahi, told the ABC they were told to be vigilant about covering up cuts to prevent infections but doctors were not able to assess Mr Kehazaei’s condition because they were booked out.

Leaked documents, obtained by Fairfax Media and reported at the time of Mr Kehazaei’s death, revealed a pattern of medical negligence on the island, including untreated skin infections, tooth decay and tropical diseases.

Mr Morrison said the government would wait until the coroner’s report before issuing a statement about Mr Kehazaei’s death.