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Public Health Response to Hantavirus
14 May 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
Issue Summary
Sharon Hodgson provides an update on the UK's response [K to the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius and its impact on British [K nationals.
Action Requested
The statement outlines the actions taken by various [K departments and organisations, including isolation measures for high-risk c [1D [K contacts, medical support in UK Overseas Territories, and public health gui [3D [K guidance. It also describes ongoing collaboration with international partne [6D [K partners to manage the situation and protect public safety.
Key Facts
- Eleven cases of Hantavirus have been reported globally as [2D [K as of 9am on May 14, 2026.
- Three individuals have died, but no British n [1D [K nationals are among those who have passed away.
- The MV Hondius visited U [1D [K UK Overseas Territories before arriving in Tenerife, where passengers were [K coordinated for repatriation.
- High-risk contacts are asked to isolate fo [2D [K for up to 45 days with regular testing and care provided by UKHSA and NHS t [1D [K teams.
- An Army specialist team parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha on May 9 [1D [K 9th to deliver critical medical supplies.
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