#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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#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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