#Incubation and infectious period, asymptomatic or presymptomatic #transmission and transmission route in #human-to-human spread of #hantavirus #infection (UKHSA, summary)

 

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Main messages 

    1. This systematic evidence summary (search up 1 May 2026) identified and summarised evidence relating to the incubation and infectious period, asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission and transmission route in human-to-human transmission of hantavirus infection.  

    2. Human-to-human transmission was only reported for Andes virus.  

    3. Seventeen studies were identified to include (1 to 17). All studies were from South America (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay) from 1995 to 2024. Three sets of studies clearly reported on the same outbreak.  

    4. Seven studies reported the incubation period, or enough information to calculate the incubation period of Andes virus (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17). Four of these reported overlapping evidence, (4, 8, 12, 17) leaving 5 independent reports. The reported incubation period ranged from 9 to 40 days, with studies reporting a mean between 21.6 to 27.5 days.   

    5. Three studies reporting incubation period included children (6, 10, 12). When evidence for children was separated, the range was 14 to 26 days. The mean (and standard deviation, SD) from one study with data to calculate it was 19.8 days (3.7) in children and 21.9 days (7.4) in adults (12). The available evidence was insufficient to determine if there was a significant difference between adults and children and not all studies separated the results.   

    6. Twelve studies reported the serial interval or enough information to calculate the serial interval of Andes virus (1, 2, 5, 9 to 14, 16, 17). Four of these reported overlapping evidence,(10, 11, 14, 17) leaving 10 independent reports. The reported serial interval ranged from 4 to 40 days with means across studies from 19.6 to 25.7 days.  

    7. Six studies reporting serial interval included children (2, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16). When evidence for children was separated, the range was 16 to 29 days. The mean (and SD) from one study with data to calculate it was 19.7 (3.5) in children and 19.5 (8.1) in adults. The available evidence was insufficient to determine if there was a significant difference between adults and children and not all studies separated the results.  

    8. None of the studies reported confirmed route of transmission. Some hypothesised routes from exposures including the possibility of respiratory, direct contact via breastfeeding, other direct contact and sexual transmission. None ruled out respiratory or fomite transmission alongside other possible routes.  

    9. No studies reported evidence of asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission. 

    10. Most studies included groups identified as being at risk of health inequalities, including children, pregnant women, people living in rural settings and people in occupations at higher risk of exposure such as agricultural workers or farmers and people working in healthcare settings. However, none of the studies provided a comparison between groups and it was not possible to determine if outcomes differed in these groups. 

    11. Critical appraisal was not performed, which restricts the interpretation of the findings, but important limitations have been highlighted. There were a limited number of cases with likely human-to-human transmission which limits the generalisability of the evidence. Many studies also highlighted the possibility than some of these cases also had environmental exposure, although human-to-human transmission was most likely. All studies rely on selfreport of exposure and symptom onset dates, which may be subject to recall bias or misreporting. There was also discrepancy between some studies reporting on the same cases, which highlights the likelihood of misreporting of this evidence.  

    12. In summary, there was evidence from a limited number of cases to provide information of the incubation period and serial interval for human-to-human transmission of Andes virus. There was no information available that directly informed the infectious period in humans. Evidence suggested incubation period could range from 9 to 40 days, with studies reporting a mean between 21.6 to 27.5 days. The reported serial interval ranged from 4 to 40 days with means from 19.6 to 25.7 days. Although no studies were able to confirm route of transmission, some proposed routes through exposures, including the possibility of direct contact via breast-feeding, and sexual transmission or contact. No studies reported evidence of asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission. All of the evidence is at risk of bias from misreport or recall bias, possible environmental exposure and ability to generalise due to small numbers of cases. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hantavirus-human-to-human-infection-transmission-parameters

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (June 10 '26): a probable case was retrospectively lab confirmed

 

Latest update

    UKHSA continues to work closely with partners in response to the hantavirus outbreak.

    UKHSA laboratories have confirmed a positive hantavirus test result for an individual in Tristan de Cunha, who was previously considered a probable case by WHO with exposure on MV Hondius. 

    This is not a new case.

    The samples were collected in May and the individual is now clinically well at home in Tristan de Cunha.

    All necessary public health actions have been carried out. 

    There is no change to the public health risk to the UK population from Hantavirus, which remains very low.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (June 2 '26)

 

Latest update

    UKHSA continues to work closely with partners in response to the hantavirus outbreak.  

    Following a review of evidence, the self-isolation period for contacts of confirmed Andes hantavirus cases in the UK has now been reduced to 42 days. 

    This aligns with WHO guidance. 

    Those isolating in the UK have been informed.  

    UKHSA’s initial 45-day approach was based on early risk assessment and was adopted until further epidemiological information emerged on the outbreak strain. 

    Subsequent WHO guidance reduced this to a 42-day isolation period, which has now been adopted by most countries, including the UK.  

    Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: 

        ''Following a review of the evidence on Andes hantavirus, I am pleased to say that the isolation period for contacts in the UK has now been reduced to 42 days in line with WHO guidance.  

        ''We know this has been a challenging time for the passengers, crew and other contacts and we want to express our gratitude to everyone for their cooperation throughout. 

        ''Our teams will continue to work closely with local authorities and the NHS to ensure everyone affected by this outbreak has the necessary support in place.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#Bundibugyo virus disease, multi-country - Situation #Update (#UK HSA, May 28 '26): 1,198 cases and 263 deaths in #DRC

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    The following relates to an ongoing outbreak, with data current to 27 May 2026

    ° Disease or pathogen: Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD)

    ° Location: Multi-country

    ° Status: Update

    ° Reporting date: 15 to 27 May 2026

Summary

    -- On 15 May 2026, an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. 

    -- On 16 May 2026, the WHO Director-General determined that the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

    -- As of 26 May 2026, 1,198 Bundibugyo virus cases (including 1,077 suspected and 121 confirmed) and 263 deaths (246 suspected and 17 confirmed) have been reported in the DRC. 

    -- Confirmed cases have been reported in Ituri (110 cases), North Kivu (10 cases), and South Kivu (one case) provinces.

    -- In Uganda, as of 27 May 2026, 7 confirmed cases (including one death) have been reported. 

    -- This is an increase of 5 confirmed cases since the last report. 

    -- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the 5 new cases have clear links to the first 2 confirmed cases.

    -- On 22 May 2026, Charite University Hospital in Berlin reported that the citizen of the United States who was medically evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Ebola disease, has tested positive for Bundibugyo virus upon confirmatory testing. The case is under observation and receiving treatment in the high-security area of the hospital’s specialised isolation unit. The case’s wife and children, who are classified as high-risk contacts, are currently asymptomatic and quarantined in a separate part of the unit. Initial Ebola PCR tests for the family members were negative.

    -- To control the spread of the outbreak, WHO has supported with the deployment of rapid response teams, the delivery of medical supplies and the strengthening of surveillance. Other response activities include infection prevention and control assessments, the set-up of safe treatment centres, and community engagement.

    -- On 21 May 2026, the United Kingdom announced that it has allocated up to £20 million in new aid funding to the response to the outbreak.

    -- This represents the 17th recorded outbreak of Ebola disease in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976, with the last reported outbreak ending in December 2025 in Kasai Province. Bundibugyo virus was first identified in 2007 in Bundibugyo district, western Uganda. A second outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus was reported in DRC in 2012.

    -- As of 27 May 2026, no imported cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the UK. Previously in 2015, an imported case of Ebola virus disease was reported in the UK associated with the 2014 to 2016 West Africa outbreak.

    -- The WHO assesses the risk of this event as low at a global level, high at the regional level and very high at a national level. 

    -- The risk of the current Ebola outbreak to the UK population is assessed as low.

Further information

    ° Ebola: overview, history, origins and transmission

    ° Ebola virus disease: clinical management and guidance

    ° Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers: outbreaks and case locations

    ° UKHSA blog:  What is Ebola and how does it spread?

    ° Algorithm for the management of samples suspected of Ebola Virus Disease (in Spanish)

    ° NaTHNaC country information page: Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

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Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/outbreaks-under-monitoring-in-2026/outbreaks-under-monitoring-week-21-week-ending-24-may-2026

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on #the hantavirus #outbreak (May 26 '26)

 

Latest update

    Last week, we confirmed that 10 individuals had left Arrowe Park. 

    An additional 6 individuals left Arrowe Park over the weekend and returned home or to other suitable accommodation to complete their 45-day isolation period. 

    The UK government has also supported the relocation of a British national who was in hospital in the Netherlands, having been previously confirmed to have hantavirus.

    Now that the individual has returned to England, UKHSA will detail this case in its statistical release tomorrow, Wednesday 27 May. 

    It’s important to be aware that this is not a new case and was previously confirmed by WHO on 7 May. 

    The individual was medically evacuated and is being offered full support with strict infection prevention and control measures in place. 

    The risk to the general public remains very low.

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said:

    ''We have worked closely with FCDO and the Dutch authorities to ensure the safe return of a British national who was previously confirmed to have hantavirus and has been receiving care in the Netherlands. It’s important to stress that this is an existing case and the wider risk to the general public remains very low.

    ''As people continue with their isolation period, UKHSA will continue to work with our partners locally, nationally and internationally to ensure everyone has the necessary support in place.

    ''We would like to again stress our thanks and gratitude to everyone at Arrowe Park who has worked so hard during this challenging time.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on #hantavirus #outbreak (May 22 '26)

 

Latest update

    The UK Health Security Agency continues to work with the NHS and local authorities in response to the hantavirus outbreak.  

    So far, 10 individuals have left Arrowe Park and have returned home, or to other suitable accommodation, to complete their 45 day isolation period. 

    Further departures are expected over the coming days and the risk to the general public remains very low. 

    Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: 

    ''We would like to thank those still isolating at Arrowe Park and those now self-isolating at home. We know this remains a challenging time and are very grateful for their continued cooperation.  

    ''We continue to work closely with local authorities and the NHS to ensure everyone has the necessary support in place as people continue with their isolation period.  

    ''We would like to again stress our thanks and gratitude to everyone at Arrowe Park who has worked so hard during this challenging time.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus #outbreak (May 18 '26): a batch of #Favipiravir antiviral drug arrived from #Japan

 

    The UK continues to work with international health agencies and governments around the world to understand and respond to the Hantavirus outbreak. 

    We would like to thank the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and the government of Japan, who have supplied doses of the antiviral medicine favipiravir (FAVI) to support the UK’s preparedness and response to Hantavirus. 

    This collaboration reflects the spirit of the UK and Japan public health partnership which includes a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).  

    UKHSA accepted delivery of the medicine over the weekend, bolstering treatment supplies in the event that cases of Hantavirus are confirmed here. 

    The risk of wider transmission of Hantavirus in the UK has not changed and remains very low but this is an important part of our preparedness and defence against the outbreak.

    Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said:

    ''It is great to see countries working together in real, practical ways to protect people’s health. I would like to thank our counterparts in Japan for their supply of these vital medicines, which will support our preparedness and ongoing response to Hantavirus. The UK and Japan share a strong and longstanding relationship, and this contribution is a positive example of how working closely together helps keep people safe from health threats around the world.

    Chris Lewis, Director of Global Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

    ''The collaboration between the UK and Japan during the hantavirus outbreak demonstrates the vital role of international partnerships in detecting, preventing, and responding to global health threats. This joint effort builds on a long-standing public health partnership between the UK and Japan and we thank them for this contribution to the UK response.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus #outbreak (May 17 '26)

 

Latest update

    The UK government continues to work with the NHS, local authorities and UK Overseas Territories in response to the hantavirus outbreak.

    UKHSA can confirm that nine asymptomatic contacts from St Helena and Ascension Island are expected to arrive in the UK this evening. 

    Working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK Overseas Territories, they will be brought to the UK to complete their self-isolation, where the NHS’s High Consequence Infectious Diseases network can provide support should they become unwell. 

    Upon arrival, the group will be transferred to Arrowe Park, where they will be closely monitored.

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said:

    ''UKHSA will continue to work with our partners locally, nationally and internationally to ensure everyone has the necessary support in place. We are undertaking safe repatriation of those affected by the outbreak where appropriate, incorporating medical checks and support, with the latest flight arriving tonight. We are committed to keeping these passengers and the wider population safe and will remain in close contact with them as they complete their self-isolation period.''

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus #outbreak (May 16 '26)

 

Latest update

    The UK government continues to work with the NHS, local authorities and UK Overseas Territories in response to the hantavirus outbreak. 

    UKHSA and NHS staff have been closely monitoring those currently at Arrowe Park and those isolating at home to provide them with all necessary support. 

    A further individual has left Arrowe Park today to complete their 45-day isolation period at home after a clinical and public health assessment confirmed it was safe for them to do so.

    A contact from Ascension Island, a medic who developed symptoms, has now safely arrived at the High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit in Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. 

    They were medically evacuated to the UK separately for specialist assessment, as a highly precautionary measure.

    While the individual is not a confirmed case, cases of Hantavirus can rapidly become very unwell and require critical care. 

    As there is no specialist infectious diseases unit on Ascension Island, the decision was made to bring them to the UK to ensure they receive the best possible support at a HCID unit should they become unwell. 

    The individual will undergo further testing and assessment at the unit today.

    As updated previously, UKHSA is working closely with FCDO and UK Overseas Territories to support the relocation of 9 asymptomatic contacts from St Helena and Ascension Island. 

    They will be brought to the UK to complete their self-isolation as a highly precautionary measure. 

    This will ensure they can be provided with the best possible support from the NHS’s HCID network should they become unwell.

    They are expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday and will be transferred to Arrowe Park where they will be closely monitored and offered all necessary support. The chartered flight will operate under strict infection prevention and control measures and medical checks will be carried out before the flight to ensure passengers are asymptomatic.

    Dr William Welfare, Director Health Protection in Regions at UKHSA, said:

    ''We would like to thank those who remain in isolation at Arrowe Park, as well as those now self-isolating at home. We know how difficult and stressful a time this continues to be for all those involved and we are very grateful for their cooperation.

    ''Our teams will continue to work closely with all those affected by this outbreak, ensuring everyone has the necessary support in place.

    ''I am very pleased to hear the contact who developed symptoms on Ascension Island is now safely being cared for at the High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit in Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

    ''UKHSA continues to work closely with FCDO, DHSC and NHS colleagues to safely bring the British nationals currently isolating on St Helena and Ascension Island to the UK.

    ''The risk to the general public remains very low.

    Further information on the rapid response mobile laboratory can be found in the recent blog from UKHSA.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus #outbreak (May 15 '26)

 

Latest update

    -- The UK government continues to work with the NHS, local authorities and UK Overseas Territories in response to the hantavirus outbreak. 

    -- UKHSA and NHS staff have been closely monitoring those currently at Arrowe Park and those isolating at home to provide them with all necessary support.   

    -- As part of the outbreak response, UKHSA has deployed a rapid response mobile laboratory to the British Overseas Territory of St Helena.   

    -- Three members of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), a partnership between UKHSA and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, funded with UK aid by the Department of Health and Social Care, have been deployed with the laboratory in response to a request for support from the St Helena Government.   

    -- This includes 2 microbiologists who will provide PCR testing for hantavirus on the island, as well as supporting local testing to exclude other conditions. 

    -- An infection prevention and control (IPC) expert will also support Jamestown General Hospital to prepare and respond to any potential cases, providing IPC assessments and training.   

    -- Dr Edmund Newman, Director of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, said: 

        ''This deployment reflects UKHSA’s commitment to responding rapidly to health threats wherever they emerge and to supporting our international partners in protecting public health globally. 

        ''Our teams continue to work closely with all those affected by this outbreak, both in the UK and overseas, to ensure all necessary support is in place. The risk to the general public remains very low. 

    -- Further information on the rapid response mobile laboratory can be found in the recent blog from UKHSA.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus multi-country #outbreak (May 14 '26, Edited)

 

Latest update

    -- Yesterday, UKHSA confirmed that 6 individuals from Arrowe Park had returned home, or to other suitable accommodation, to complete their 45 day isolation period. 

    -- A further individual is leaving Arrowe Park today, who will complete their 45 day isolation period at home after a clinical and public health assessment confirmed it was safe for them to do so.

    -- Working closely with FCDO and UK overseas territories, UKHSA is also supporting the relocation of 9 asymptomatic people from the UK overseas territories of St Helena and Ascension Island. 

    -- These people will be brought to the UK to complete their self-isolation as a precautionary measure. 

    -- This will ensure they can be provided with the best possible support from England’s High Consequence infectious disease network should they become unwell. 

    -- They are expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday and will be transferred to Arrowe Park where they will be closely monitored and offered all necessary support. 

    -- The chartered flight will operate under strict infection prevention and control measures and medical checks will be carried out before the flight to ensure passengers are asymptomatic.

    -- One contact, a medic on Ascension Island who developed symptoms, will be medically evacuated to the UK separately for specialist assessment in the UK and they will be cared for at a High Consequence Infectious Disease Unit in the South of England as a highly precautionary measure. 

    -- Their samples were taken to the UK on 8 May and tested negative. 

    -- We continue to work closely with the FCDO to provide support to UK Overseas Territories.

    Dr William Welfare, Director Health Protection in Regions at UKHSA, said:

    ''UKHSA continues to work with FCDO, DHSC and NHS colleagues on the repatriation of British nationals currently isolating on St Helena and Ascension Island. We expect the flight to land on Sunday, with all individuals then safely transported to Arrowe Park where they will receive clinical assessment testing and follow up.

    ''We would like to thank those who remain in isolation at Arrowe Park, as well as those now self-isolating at home, for their cooperation and we’re pleased to see further people heading home today to continue their self-isolation. Our teams will continue to work closely with all those affected by this outbreak, ensuring everyone has the necessary support in place.

    -- The risk to the general public remains very low.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus #outbreak (May 13 '26)

 

Latest update

    -- The UK Health Security Agency is paying thanks to everyone who has isolated at Arrowe Park since Sunday evening and to all the staff at the facility and within the wider system for supporting them, commending them for their ‘incredible effort’.  

    -- Today, 6 individuals from Arrowe Park are returning home or to other suitable accommodation to complete their 45 day isolation period. 

    -- Public health and clinical specialists have assessed each individual’s circumstances and following their latest negative PCR test, tailored support packages are being provided to enable people to isolate at home. 

    -- Arrangements for onward travel from Arrowe Park will be managed with appropriate public health protections in place at every stage of the journey. 

    -- All contacts who remain at Arrowe Park remain asymptomatic; they have no symptoms. 

    -- All testing of contacts has been negative for Hantavirus. 

    -- Health protection teams across the UK will continue to monitor and support everyone after they leave the facility, with daily contact throughout the isolation period to ensure appropriate health and wellbeing support.  

    -- Contact tracing, regular monitoring and testing of contacts continues by UKHSA specialist teams. 

    -- Over the coming days, UKHSA will also support relocation of some more contacts who are already isolating, to places where they can do so more easily.   

    -- Medical staff monitoring contacts on Ascension and St Helena have confirmed that one contact, a medic on Ascension island, has developed symptoms. 

    -- Their samples were taken to the UK on 8 May and tested negative. 

    -- Testing is underway to establish whether this is an unrelated illness, with the individual being offered all necessary care. 

    -- We continue to work closely with the FCDO to provide support to the islands of the territories.     

    -- UKHSA continues to work closely with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to identify and support those who may have had close contact with cases.  

    -- The risk to the general public remains very low.

    -- Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:

    ''Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension island to repatriate British nationals who are currently isolating on the island. Testing is underway to confirm the cause of illness for the person displaying symptoms and we will take all necessary action to support this person and the wider island population whilst continuing to protect public health in England and UK overseas territories.

    ''Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved. Thanks also to the NHS and UKHSA colleagues caring for them throughout their time there.

    ''Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak. Our priority remains to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, wherever they complete their isolation, and our teams will continue to work closely with all of those affected by this outbreak.

    ''We would ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of the passengers, contacts and their families at what has been a very difficult and distressing time for everyone involved.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (May 12 '26)

 

Latest update

Clinical assessments and testing are now well underway at Arrowe Park on the Wirral, for passengers repatriated from the MV Hondius. 

They include 20 British nationals, alongside one UK resident German national and one Japanese passenger. 

Two British nationals have returned home on repatriation flights to the USA, which were organised by the USA. 

Another British national is due to return to Australia. 

A further 3 British nationals are being treated by medical teams outside the UK – one in the Netherlands, one on Tristan da Cunha and a third in South Africa.

Passengers will remain at Arrowe Park while they have clinical and public health assessments and testing. 

They will be fully supported and will have an assessment by and regular contact with NHS clinicians on site to check on their wellbeing. 

Strict infection control measures remain in place at the facility.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:  

''Clinical assessments and testing are now underway at Arrowe Park, and the staff there have once again shown outstanding dedication and professionalism in providing the highest standard of care. We are enormously grateful for everything they are doing.

''Passengers will continue to receive the full support of our teams and NHS specialists throughout their stay and beyond. We want to reassure both passengers and the wider public that robust arrangements are in place, and that everyone involved will be looked after every step of the way.

Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days, with regular testing and ongoing care provided by UKHSA and NHS teams. 

Daily contact with UKHSA health protection teams will continue throughout the isolation period to ensure passengers are supported to isolate safely.

Next steps for individuals leaving Arrowe Park Hospital safely whilst isolating from others will be determined on the basis of their individual circumstances, and all passengers will be fully supported throughout this process. 

Public health specialists from UKHSA and infectious diseases specialists from the NHS will assess whether passengers are able to safely isolate at home or whether an alternative suitable location will be arranged.

UKHSA continues to work closely with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to identify and support the management of individuals who may have had high-risk contact with cases. The risk to the general public remains very low.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (May 11 '26)

 

Latest update

The UK Government has worked with international partners to ensure the safe return of all remaining British nationals on board the MV Hondius, with passengers now safely transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital.  

20 British nationals along with 1 German national, who is a UK resident, and 1 Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius are now being monitored at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral. Within a 72-hour period, these passengers will receive clinical assessments and testing. The UK Government repatriated the Japanese passenger at the request of the Japanese Government and they will complete their isolation in the UK in line with UKHSA guidance.  

Strict infection control measures have been in place throughout the journey, with passengers, crew, drivers and medical teams all wearing necessary personal protective equipment such as face masks.   

During the 72-hour period at Arrowe Park, public health specialists from UKHSA and infectious diseases specialists from the NHS will assess their current condition and determine where the passengers can suitably isolate. Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days upon their return, with regular testing and care provided by NHS and UKHSA.  

During their isolation period, passengers will have daily contact with UKHSA health protection teams to check on their wellbeing and ensure that they are supported to isolate safely. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given the appropriate support.  

UKHSA has worked with the public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to trace any individuals who had potential high-risk contact with cases and will remain in close contact with these individuals for 45 days from the potential exposure. 

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:  

''We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility.  

''Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful. 

''Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers. The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public. 

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said:

''I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best.  

''None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.

(...)

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (May 9 '26)

 

9 May Statement

-- The UK government continues to work with international authorities ahead of the return of British nationals from Tenerife to the UK, following the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship confirmed by the World Health Organization. 

-- WHO confirmed late yesterday that there are now 8 cases – 6 confirmed and 2 suspected cases. 1 suspected case was discounted yesterday as tests confirmed they did not have hantavirus.

-- 3 British nationals are included in the 8 cases: 2 have confirmed hantavirus and another 1 suspected. The 2 confirmed British cases are in hospital – 1 in South Africa and another in the Netherlands.

-- The third British national case disembarked from the ship on Tristan da Cunha as they live there. They are now being supported and monitored by health services on the island.

-- None of the British nationals on board MV Hondius are currently reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored. 

-- The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife tomorrow (Sunday 10 May), where UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals on board.  

-- Further checks will be carried out by medical staff of all passengers and crew on board before they disembark. British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK government staff to an airport and a chartered flight will fly them back to the UK. 

-- Infection prevention and control measures will be in place throughout the journey. Passengers, crew and medical teams boarding the flight will wear personal protective equipment such as face masks while journeying from Tenerife and during transit to facilities at Arrowe Park Hospital. 

Risk to the public in the UK will remain very low.

-- On arrival, passengers will be safely escorted onto dedicated transport and transferred to an isolation facility at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, where they will be taken to a managed setting to receive clinical assessments and testing as a precautionary measure. While at Arrowe Park and  within the 72-hour period, public health specialists will assess whether passengers can isolate at home or they will isolate at another suitable location, based on their living arrangements.

-- The UK government is working closely with the UKHSA and NHS to ensure all returning nationals receive appropriate care and support. 

-- All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days upon returning to the UK. UKHSA will closely support and monitor these individuals, with testing as required. 

-- Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support. 

-- The risk to the general public remains very low. 

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: 

''We continue to work at pace with our international partners to ensure the safe repatriation of British nationals from the MV Hondius. 

''The safety and well-being of those on board remains our number one priority. Established infection control measures will be in place at every step of the journey, and passengers will receive full support throughout, including during their period of isolation. 

''We recognise that this has been an incredibly difficult and unsettling time for those affected and their loved ones at home. As they prepare for their journey back to the UK, we ask the media to respect the privacy of passengers and their families during what remains a challenging time.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK, Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise #ship #outbreak (May 8 '26)

 

Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.

Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. 

None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.

The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. 

UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. 

British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.

FCDO and UKHSA teams will be on the ground to support these arrangements, bolstered by a Rapid Deployment Team sent from the UK. 

The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.

UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. 

Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.

All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.

Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. 

The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support.

UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.

Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. 

Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.

Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.

The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and British nationals on board and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals. 

UK government is working very closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of UK overseas territories which were visited by the ship. 

UK government teams are working at pace to get medical support to all affected Overseas Territories. 

The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including PCR tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:

''This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius.

''The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.

Further information on the repatriation of British nationals will be provided in due course.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#UK Health Security Agency: #update on the #hantavirus cruise #ship #outbreak (May 6 '26)

 

Published: 6 May 2026

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to work with the World Health Organization (WHO), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and other international partners to prepare for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed.

Three people, including one British national, with suspected hantavirus have been evacuated from the Hondius in order to receive medical care in the Netherlands in co-ordination between the Cape Verde, UK and Dutch governments. UKHSA are in close contact with medical teams providing their care.   

The remaining British nationals can now be repatriated once the ship docks at its next destination if they do not develop symptoms. 

None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored. 

The FCDO is making arrangements for these individuals to return to the UK, where UKHSA is working with government to support them to isolate with regular testing and contact with healthcare professionals.

UKHSA is aware of two people who have returned to the UK independently having been on board the MV Hondius. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate. 

UKHSA are supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the boat. 

They are being offered support and are also self-isolating. None are reporting any symptoms. 

The risk to the general public remains very low.

Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA said:

''Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.

''It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low. We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission.

''UKHSA will continue to work closely with government partners to offer all necessary support.

UKHSA is working closely with the FCDO, the Home Office, and Border Force to trace further individuals who may have been on the same flight as a confirmed case, in order to carry out public health risk assessments and ensure appropriate precautionary measures are in place.

Hantavirus is the name given to a group of viruses carried by rodents and transmitted by their droppings and urine. They can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness. Infections in humans are rare and tend to occur in places where people and rodents coexist - most commonly in rural, agricultural settings, though the viruses can also sometimes be found in cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested.

Most hantaviruses do not spread easily between humans, although person-to-person transmission has been observed in some cases involving particular strains. The World Health Organization is leading the international response to this incident and overseeing direction of the ship, including advising on how to minimise the risk of the disease spreading.

The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals. UK government is working extremely closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of overseas territories which were visited by the ship.

Further information on Hantavirus can be found in the recent blog from UKHSA.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#Human spread of #hantavirus not ruled out on cruise #ship (UN News Centre, May 5 '26)

 

By Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer in Geneva

5 May 2026 

Hantavirus victims on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean may have been infected prior to joining the cruise and human-to-human transmission on board cannot be ruled out – although it is rare - the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

The deadly disease outbreak has triggered an international public health response. 

Seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill and three have died in what remains a fluid situation, WHO’s chief of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Dr Maria Van Kerkhove told reporters in Geneva.

“One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand that this patient is improving,” she said, while two patients still on board the ship, which is currently off the coast of Cabo Verde, are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment. 

Dr Van Kerkhove stressed that the situation is being closely monitored. As a precaution, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out. Medical teams from Cabo Verde are providing support on board the ship.

“The plan is, and our highest priority is, to medically evacuate these two individuals” to make sure that they receive the required care, she insisted. 

There are no other symptomatic patients on board. A third suspected case who reported a mild fever at one point “is currently doing well”, the WHO official said.

Spain cooperation

The ship is set to continue on to the Canary Islands. Ahead of arrival, Dr Van Kerkhove said that WHO is working with the Spanish authorities who “have said that they will welcome the ship to do a full epidemiologic investigation, full disinfection of the ship, and of course to assess the risk of the passengers”. 

Hantaviruses are carried by rodents and can cause severe disease in humans. Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year. People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, their droppings, or their saliva. 

Discussing the suspected origins of the outbreak, Dr Van Kerkhove said that the initial patients, a husband and wife, boarded the boat in Argentina. 

“With the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus, which can be anywhere from one to six weeks, our assumption is that they were infected off the ship,” she said. “This was an expedition boat… many of the people on board were doing bird watching” and “seeing a lot of different wildlife.”

The cruise stopped at several islands off the coast of Africa, Dr Van Kerkhove continued, some of which “have a lot of rodents”. 

“There could be some source of infection on the islands as well for some of the other suspect cases,” she said. “However, we do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that's happening among the really close contacts” such as the husband and wife and others who have shared cabins.

Past outbreak lessons

Transmission of infection between people is uncommon, but limited spread has been reported among close contacts in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus, which is part of the hantavirus group.

There are no specific treatments for hantavirus other than supportive care. 

“Typically, people will develop respiratory symptoms, so respiratory support is really important,” Dr Van Kerkhove said, stressing that some people require mechanical ventilation. Intensive care may be required, especially if the condition of patients deteriorates.

Directing her message at the people on the boat, where more than 20 nationalities are represented, the WHO official said: “We just want you to know we are working with the ship's operators” and with the travellers’ countries of origin.

“We hear you. We know that you are scared,” she said. “We're trying to make sure that the ship has as much information as they can…that you're cared for and of course, that you get home safely.”

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167440

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