We are monitoring and providing public health advice about an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. Sadly, 3 foreign nationals have died in connection with the outbreak, however, the risk to the public is very low as hantavirus is not spread through everyday social contact.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats, transmitted by their droppings and urine. Hantaviruses are present throughout the world. They can be found in some areas of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Where they are present, they can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness …
Three young people in Weymouth, Dorset have been confirmed to have meningitis B, known as MenB. All-three individuals have received treatment and are recovering well. These cases are not linked to the recent outbreak in Kent and this outbreak is not showing the same speed of transmission or severity of illness.
As we move into spring, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the …
Shigella is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It's more common than many people realise and understanding how it spreads is key to protecting yourself and others. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to it.
This blog post was last checked and updated in April 2026. Following the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with NHS England and the government are coordinating a targeted vaccination programme against MenB. Here is what you need to know about who is eligible, …
There is currently an outbreak of meningococcal disease (MenB) in Kent. This blog post includes information on MenB and this outbreak, what to do if you are affected and where you can get antibiotics and who is being offered a vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all vaccines produced worldwide never reach the people who need them. The reason? They lose their effectiveness before they can be used. Most vaccines must be kept cold from the moment …
Preparing for future health threats starts long before a virus makes the headlines. That’s why UKHSA works with partners around the world to study emerging pathogens and identify key gaps in knowledge and research. Our work on Oropouche, just one …
Measles is highly contagious, so even a small decline in vaccine uptake can lead to a rise in cases. There has been a resurgence of measles in England, and around the world, in recent years.
