#UK, #Scotland: A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (#BSE) has been confirmed in a #cow on a farm in #Dumfries and Galloway

 

A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

    Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place on the offspring of the animal and its ‘cohort’ at the impacted premises.  

    Further investigations to identify the origin of the disease are ongoing. This is standard procedure for a confirmed case of classical BSE.

    The case was identified as a result of our routine though intensive BSE surveillance and stringent control measures that are in place. 

    The animal did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.

    The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities on next steps.

    Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

        "Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Government and other agencies acted swiftly and decisively to protect the agriculture sector.

        "The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is clear proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.

        "I want to thank the animal's owner for their diligence. Their swift action allowed us to identify and isolate the case immediately, minimising its impact on the wider industry."

Background

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 

    The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the source of the disease.

    All animals over four years of age that die on farm are routinely tested for BSE under Scotland’s comprehensive surveillance system.  

    While the disease is not directly transmitted from animal to animal, its cohorts including offspring, have been traced and isolated, and will be destroyed in line with legal requirements.

    In addition to the measures in place for fallen stock and animal feed, there is a strict control regime to protect consumers. This includes the removal of specified risk material such as the spinal column, brain and skull from carcasses destined for human consumption.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.scot/news/bse-3/

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#UK - Bovine spongiform encephalopathy #BSE - Immediate notification

    ° Isolated, single case of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a 7½- year- old indigenous cow on a beef suckler farm. 

    ° The cow was pregnant, with no clinical signs presented before being found dead. 

    ° The case was disclosed during routine national statutory surveillance and testing of fallen stock cattle aged over 48 months. 

    ° The animal was not presented for slaughter and did not enter the food chain. 

    ° There is no threat to food safety or human health. 

    ° A full epidemiological investigation is being carried out to identify relevant risk pathways for infection and any evidence to support these. 

    ° All of the cohorts and offspring of this single BSE case have been identified and placed under movement restrictions. 

    ° They will be culled and screened for BSE. 

    ° The detection of this single case does not change the ‘Negligible risk’ status for the zone of Scotland or UK. 

    ° The precise location of the farm has not been entered on the report to protect the farmer's identity and well-being. 

    Note from WOAH 20/08/2026: 

        The statement above is not related to the official disease status delivered by WOAH. 

        Official disease status are published on the WOAH website at https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/animal-health-and-welfare/official-disease-status/

    ° Isolated case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a 7 and ½ -year-old female beef cattle, in a beef suckler herd with approx. 740 animals.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/home

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7773

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A cohort study of persons exposed to highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 at premises with infected #animals, #England, 2023 to 2025

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) presents a risk to human health both from infections resulting from exposure to infected birds or mammals, and from potential mutations enabling human-to-human transmission of a virus to which there is little or no population immunity.

AIM

This cohort study was designed with the aim of informing assessments of the risk of avian influenza to human health and the public health management of influenza A(H5N1) exposures.

METHODS

We recruited 428 individuals at 34 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak sites between April 2023 to March 2025, throughout England. Through nasopharyngeal samples and questionnaires, we investigated risk factors including exposure periods and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and characteristics of influenza A(H5N1) infection.

RESULTS

The median participant age was 37 years (interquartile range: 28–51 years), 296 (69%) were male. Most participants (85%) reported full PPE use when exposed, and 82 (19%) were vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Six persons tested PCR-positive for influenza A(H5N1), of whom three (< 1%) met the case definition for infection (two confirmed, one unclear) attributable to exposure periods. No severe illness was reported; no secondary cases were identified. None of the six cases with positive detections were vaccinated against seasonal influenza; two of them reported not wearing full PPE when exposed.

CONCLUSION

We recommend continued conscientious PPE use and the resumption of enhanced surveillance following detection of an increased risk of animal-human transmission, with a One Health focus, to mitigate pandemic risk of influenza A(H5N1).

Source: 

Link: https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.31.2500906?emailalert=true#abstract_content

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#UK, Sharp rise in #cyclospora #infections linked to #Mexico #travel (UKHSA, July 31 '26)

 

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published new data showing a sharp rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico.

    UKHSA is advising all travellers to take precautions when travelling abroad including maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.

    Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea. Contaminated food specifically herbs, salad and soft fruit are common sources of outbreaks and infections. Infection is acquired via consumption of contaminated food. Cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person.

    Symptoms of infection can include frequent watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and most people improve typically in a few days without any treatment, infections can be more serious or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised and antibiotics may be prescribed.

    The latest data, published today, shows that 67 cases have been reported in returning travellers in England (30 cases) Wales and (10 cases) Scotland (27 cases) between 30 April and 15 July 2026; a sharp rise this year when compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025.

    Travel information is available for 52 out of the 67 cases; of these, 48 reported travel to Mexico, with one also reporting travel to the USA. One further case reported travel to the USA only, and one to Kenya.

    Among those who travelled to Mexico, cases reported staying at a range of different hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a variety of food and drink as part of all-inclusive holiday packages. Further investigations around the cases are ongoing.

    UKHSA anticipates a continued rise in travel-associated cases linked to increased summer travel to Mexico and a potential increase in cases linked to travel to the USA, where a widespread outbreak has been reported.

    Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA, said:

        ''We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico. These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines.

        ''Travellers to Mexico and other areas where the infection is more common can reduce their risk by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts. We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.

        ''If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history.

        ''The TravelHealthPro website has more information on the steps you can take to keep yourself and your family well.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sharp-rise-in-cyclospora-infections-linked-to-mexico-travel

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Interim #heat #mortality monitoring #report, #England: May and June 2026 (UKHSA, July 30 '26)

{Excerpt}

Published 30 July 2026

Main points

    ° During the May and June 2026 heat events:

        § there were an estimated total of 2,877 heat-associated deaths

        § an estimated 753 heat-associated deaths occurred during the May heat episode

        § an estimated 2,124 heat-associated deaths occurred during the June heat episode

        § the mortality burden is already close to the highest annual totals previously recorded by UKHSA

What you need to know about this report

    ° This interim report focuses on total heat-associated mortality estimates for the May and June 2026 heat episodes.

    ° Detailed demographic, geographic and cause-specific analyses, and comparisons with UKHSA modelled estimates, are outside the scope of this publication.

    ° Final figures of heat-associated deaths during heat episodes in 2026 will be published early in 2027.

Reason for this interim report

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) produces the annual heat mortality monitoring report. These are official statistics that provide estimates of heat-associated mortality during heat episodes in England. These estimates support understanding of the public health impacts of hot weather and inform future preparedness and response activities.

    During summer 2026, England experienced 2 notable heat events, one in May and the other in June, both of which were exceptional for different reasons. 

    The May heat event occurred unusually early in the season, with record-breaking temperatures following a period of unseasonably cool weather. 

    The June event was characterised by its intensity and formed part of a broader period of sustained hot weather across Europe. Given the public health significance of these events, and the considerable interest from policymakers, partners and the public, UKHSA has produced this interim report to provide an early assessment of heat-associated mortality. Such early assessments will only be undertaken following extraordinary periods of heat and would not normally be produced for routine heat events.

    Although this report has been produced using the same data sources, analytical methods and quality assurance processes as the annual heat mortality monitoring report, the estimates should be regarded as preliminary and operational in nature. 

    At the time of analysis, mortality data remains incomplete because of routine delays in death registration. Also, estimates for the June heat event are subject to additional uncertainty due to limited availability of non-heat period days for baseline comparison. The definitive assessment of mortality associated with these events will be published in the annual official statistics report in early 2027.

    This interim report focuses on headline estimates of heat-associated mortality. Detailed breakdowns by age, sex, geography, place of death and cause of death are not included because the analysis is based on provisional death registration data that has been adjusted for reporting delays. 

    Registration delays can vary between population groups, causes of death and geographical areas, and applying appropriate delay corrections across all breakdowns would introduce additional complexity and uncertainty into the estimates. 

    In addition, this report does not include comparisons between observed heat-associated mortality and UKHSA modelled mortality estimates. These assessments require more comprehensive analysis and are therefore reserved for the annual publication. More detailed analyses will be provided in the annual official statistics publication once more complete mortality datais available.

    The estimates presented in this report are therefore expected to differ from final numbers as additional death registrations are received and processed in the annual heat mortality monitoring report.  

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/interim-heat-mortality-monitoring-report-england-may-and-june-2026/interim-heat-mortality-monitoring-report-england-may-and-june-2026

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#UK, Precautionary #medical #evacuation following a potential healthcare related #exposure to #Ebola (UKHSA, July 21 '26)

 

    Medical evacuation has been arranged as a highly precautionary measure following a potential healthcare related exposure to Ebola. 

    UKHSA works with international partners to ensure that any British residents who may be at risk can be safely returned home and given the treatment and care required. 

    The individual is a UK resident who has been working with a humanitarian organisation in DRC supporting the Ebola outbreak response.

    The individual is not currently displaying any symptoms and remains well, but as a precautionary measure they have been evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation. 

    They are now being assessed and monitored in isolation by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital. 

    The incubation period of Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days and the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout this period.

    There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK and the risk to the general public remains low. UKHSA will provide further updates if there is any change to the current situation.

    Richard Pebody, Director, Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said:

        ''The risk to the general public remains low. This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.''

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/precautionary-medical-evacuation-following-a-potential-healthcare-related-exposure-to-ebola

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#UK Health Security Agency# update on the #hantavirus cruise ship #outbreak (June 22 '26): All remaining quarantined passengers released from isolation

 

Latest update

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm that all remaining individuals have now left Arrowe Park.

    All passengers from the MV Hondius who subsequently returned to the UK have now completed their self-isolation periods.

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

    ''We would like to reiterate our thanks and gratitude to passengers, crew and other contacts for their cooperation throughout what has been a very challenging time for everyone affected.

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

 

{Summary)

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

{Excerpt}

    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

(...)

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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