UK Health Security Agency

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Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.

Map of the UK showing Heat-Health Alert levels. Amber alerts are in place across London, the South East, East of England and East Midlands (shown in orange). Yellow alerts cover the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands and South West England (shown in yellow). The North East is shown in green, indicating no alert. The map includes logos and website links for Public Health Scotland, the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, and Public Health Wales. A key at the bottom explains the alert colours: green for no alert, yellow for yellow alert, orange for amber alert and red for red alert.
Infographic on a teal background stating: '67 cyclospora cases in returning travellers since the end of April. That’s already most of a typical year’s total.' Below the text, a globe made of green lettuce leaves is shown with orange map highlights and a white paper aeroplane flying from Mexico toward the UK.
Travellers urged to protect themselves from infections while abroad this summer. UK Health Security Agency infographic showing imported mosquito-borne infections: 137 dengue fever cases, 8 Zika virus cases, 59 chikungunya cases and 557 malaria cases. A silhouette of a traveller with luggage appears on the right.
Amber heat health alerts issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West, and Yellow heat health alerts issued for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West For advice from Scotland please visit publichealthscotland.scot For advice from Northern Ireland please visit publichealth.hscni.net For advice from Wales please visit phw.nhs.wales
Changes to the MenB schedule are helping to protect babies earlier 89.8% of eligible 6-month-old babies received their second MenB dose, by April 2026. An increase of 4.6%
Red Alert: East Midlands West Midlands East of England London South East South West Amber Alert: North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber
MenB Vaccine Available for a limited time from late July 2026 Who is eligible? All current year 13 students (or of equivalent age) Anyone aged under 25 starting university or moving into further education halls of residence for the first time this autumn Two doses are essential for protection
Did you know? Genital herpes is transmitted skin-to-skin. You cannot catch it from toilet seats or towels.
Did you know? The first successful vaccine was pioneered in England 230 years ago. It protected against smallpox, a disease that has since been wiped out due to vaccination.
Latest STI data from UKHSA shows syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men lowest in decade
Amber alert: East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and West Midlands. Yellow alert: North West, North East, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Close-up of the Kaaba’s black and gold detailing against a plain background. UKHSA branding appears at the top. Overlaid text reads: “Travelling to the Middle East? What you need to know about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.”
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA said: “While the current outbreak of Ebola affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is serious, the risk it poses to the UK population is low. “It is rare for Ebola cases to occur in returning travellers and the NHS has safe procedures in place for any such cases and specialist centres where they can be looked after. We will continue to work closely with international partners.” 
People unload large equipment cases from the back of a vehicle on a roadside near an airport setting, with more cases nearby. Overlaid text reads “Lab in a bag lands in Saint Helena” and explains the challenge of transporting a full laboratory to a remote island, followed by the question “But why did we do it?”
How common is meningitis in England? Around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year. The vast majority of infections involve only a single case. Outbreaks are rare and typically involve 2 to 4 cases.
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk What you need to know about the hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship
Graphic branded with the UK Health Security Agency logo and website address, reading: 'Read our blog post for the latest information on hantavirus and the Andes strain' and 'Hantavirus outbreak: what you need to know'.
Illustration of hantavirus under the microscope
graphic styled like an airport departures board with the message ‘Catching a flight? Don’t catch malaria’. A traveller wearing a backpack looks up at the board, which lists prevention measures such as vaccinations, long sleeves and antimalarials. Text advises checking TravelHealthPro to find out if vaccinations or antimalarials are needed
Woman holding a baby close against her shoulder. Text states that the maternal RSV vaccine can reduce baby hospital admissions by up to 85%, based on a large real‑world study in England
Group photo of global experts at an international symposium in Munich
An image of a teenage holding a phone, the overlaid text reads: Meningitis cases in Dorset: What you need to know
Promotional graphic for the UKHSA Conference 2026. The top section shows the UK Health Security Agency logo and a banner with the website “conference.ukhsa.gov.uk”. Below, large text reads “UKHSA Conference 2026 – Call for abstracts.” The background features an image of a person looking into a microscope. Additional text explains that the conference welcomes high‑quality scientific and public health research submissions from UKHSA colleagues and external partners. Dates shown include: submission deadline Tuesday 28 April at 23:59 GMT; review period Wednesday 29 April to Tuesday 9 June; and author notifications in mid‑ to late‑June.
Dr Monica Desai, Head of the Hepatitis Section at the UKHSA, said: We are making significant progress towards eliminating hepatitis C. The sharp fall in cases since 2015 shows the impact of expanded testing and sustained access to modern curative treatments and the commitment of health services and community partners across England. While the number of people living with the virus continues to decline, it remains vital that those most at risk are offered testing, can access life-saving treatments, and receive the support needed to prevent new infections.
Text reads: From April 2026, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available free on the NHS for: - adults aged 75 or over - older adults living in a care home Image depicts: The image features an older couple standing close together and smiling warmly at the camera.
Promotional graphic for the UKHSA Conference 2026. The top section shows the UK Health Security Agency logo and a banner with the website “conference.ukhsa.gov.uk”. Below, large text reads “UKHSA Conference 2026 – Call for abstracts.” The background features an image of a person looking into a microscope. Additional text explains that the conference welcomes high‑quality scientific and public health research submissions from UKHSA colleagues and external partners. Dates shown include: submission deadline Tuesday 28 April at 23:59 GMT; review period Wednesday 29 April to Tuesday 9 June; and author notifications in mid‑ to late‑June.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA said, 'For some people chikungunya can be a prolonged and nasty disease and we continue to see cases in travellers returning to the UK, particularly from parts of Asia and the Indian Ocean region. While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes. Thankfully, symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. So, it is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling.'
Graphic with a blue sky and mountain landscape background. An airplane appears in the top right corner. Large text reads: 'Travelling abroad this Easter? UKHSA urges travellers to take precautions as chikungunya cases reach 10‑year high.'
Illustration of Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) under a microscope
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency, said: This preliminary analysis offers strong reassurance that our existing vaccinations and antibiotic treatment offer will be effective against this strain. In collaboration with the research community, we will continue intensive laboratory investigations of the strain to determine how the spread of the outbreak may have been influenced by the bacterial strain, social or environmental conditions, and population immunity.
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk For more information about MenB, including details on signs and symptoms, and who is eligible for antibiotics and vaccination, read our blog post: Meningitis outbreak: what you need to know
Who is currently eligible for the MenB vaccine? close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered preventative antibiotics and are eligible for vaccination students who attend other universities in Canterbury, living in halls of residence or off‑campus locations where there has been a case, and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact by UKHSA sixth form students (years 12 and 13) attending a secondary school or sixth form college in Kent where there has been a confirmed or probable case of meningococcal disease informed by local risk assessment anyone who visited or was working at Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 March and 15 March, when the venue closed voluntarily
Who is being offered the MenB vaccine? The MenB vaccination offer has been extended and is now available to: everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak 6th form students (years 12 and 13) in schools and colleges in Kent where confirmed or probable cases are identified. These students will also be offered antibiotics
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved. Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”
MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS: fever a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help) being sick stiff neck dislike of bright lights rash (DO NOT wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice) confusion, delirium severe sleepiness, losing consciousness SEPTICAEMIA SYMPTOMS: fever and shivering severe pains and aches in limbs and joints cold hands and feet pale or blotchy skin very rapid or difficulty breathing diarrhoea, stomach cramps red or purple “blood spots” or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure – do the GLASS TEST. On dark skin, check other places such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the mouth (roof), and the whites of the eyes confusion, delirium severe sleepiness, losing consciousness If you become worried about yourself, your child, or a friend, particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently. EARLY TREATMENT CAN BE LIFE-SAVING.
A close-up image of gloved hands drawing liquid from a small glass vial into a syringe. The background is blurred in pale blue tones. Yellow text on the left reads: “Could ‘fridge‑free’ vaccines transform global immunisation?” A yellow label in the top right corner displays the URL “ukhsa.blog.gov.uk”.
A person is standing against a blue illustrated background and holding a large photo of a child wearing a pink top. To the left, text reads ‘Lee Chan – Insight lead.’ At the bottom, a yellow text box contains a personal statement about choosing a career in applied social research in government and encouraging others from similar backgrounds to consider this path.
1/ A child in a lab coat holding a stick with a sweet on it. Text reads: ‘Spark curiosity this British Science Week’. Download free teaching resources at e-bug.eu’
Street-level view of Manchester Central with its large arched roof and clock, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. A yellow tram passes in front under a cloudy sky
An infographic from the UK Health Security Agency titled “Positive tests (%) for flu.” It features a line chart showing the rolling 7‑day flu test positivity rate in England from February 2025 to 22 February 2026. A label at the bottom reads: “Data from: 24 February 2025 – 22 February 2026.” The source is SGSS, England only.
UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty, President of PHAC Nancy Hamzawi alongside the British and Canadian flags
Graphic with a red background. Text reads: ‘Did you know?’ Below it, large white text reads: ‘Measles, mumps and chickenpox can all lead to a serious condition called encephalitis, which can damage the brain.’ In the bottom right corner, there is a white outline illustration of a brain with lightning bolts above it and a warning symbol below.
A UK Health Security Agency graphic titled “Positive tests (%) for flu.” It shows a green line chart tracking the 7‑day rolling percentage of positive flu tests in England from February 2025 to February 2026. The bottom label reads: “Data from: 17 February 2025 – 15 February 2026.” A note in the corner states the source is SGSS, England only.
An image of a child wrapped in cotton wool, playing in a colourful ball pit. The text reads: “Wrap your children up with the best protection – vaccinations. Stay strong. Get vaccinated.”
Virus watch FLU — DECREASED, AT BASELINE LEVELS Hospitalisations The number of hospitalised cases per 100,000 catchment population in reporting trusts. This week: 1.48 per 100,000 Last week: 2.13 per 100,000 Positive tests The percentage of specimens identified through participating laboratories surveillance. This week: 3.9% positivity Last week: 5.5% positivity COVID‑19 — MIXED TRENDS, AT BASELINE LEVELS Hospitalisations The number of hospitalised cases per 100,000 catchment population in reporting trusts. This week: 0.94 per 100,000 Last week: 0.77 per 100,000 Positive tests The percentage of specimens identified through participating laboratories surveillance. This week: 2.5% positivity Last week: 2.1% positivity
Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19 (Graph showing rolling 7‑day positivity rate, Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) Data from: 10 February 2025 – 8 February 2026 Source: USD; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate
Positive tests (%) for flu (Graph showing positivity rate, Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) Data from: 10 February 2025 – 8 February 2026 Source: SGSS; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate
A UK Health Security Agency infographic titled ‘Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 08 February 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).
Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: 'Raw pet food products can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. To reduce the risk of illness, pet owners should wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, clean and disinfect bowls, utensils and surfaces, store raw pet food separately from food for people and ensure good hygienic practices for handling of pet faeces.'
Graphic showing two cartoon characters, Andi Biotic and Bryn Biotig, dressed as rugby players shaking hands on a stadium pitch. Andi is green and wearing a red Wales rugby shirt; Bryn is red and wearing a white England rugby shirt. The headline reads: ‘Andi and Bryn team up to thrash bacteria in Antibiotix Nations.’ Text below says: ‘Andi Biotic and Bryn Biotig have teamed up to remind everyone that antibiotics only beat bacterial infections, not viral ones.’
Graphic with a pink‑to‑orange gradient background. Text reads: 'Did you know? MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to many common antibiotics, so it can be difficult to treat.' A small crown icon appears at the top and a simple bacteria‑shaped line illustration is in the bottom right corner
Public safety notice showing four types of alcohol‑free cleansing wipes: ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Reliwipe Alcohol-Free Cleansing Wipes, and Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free. The message states: ‘If you own any of these wipes, we remind you to stop using them.’ A note at the bottom reads: ‘These products should not be used, please check your first aid kits and if you find any dispose of them.
Dashboard titled ‘Virus watch’ with sections for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV. Text on image reads: Flu – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 2.19 per 100,000, down from 3.35 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 5.4% positivity, down from 7.1% positivity last week.’ COVID‑19 – Mixed trends, at baseline levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 0.77 per 100,000, down from 0.89 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 2% positivity, down from 2.2% positivity last week.’ RSV – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 1.68 per 100,000, down from 2.07 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 4.8% positivity, down from 6% positivity last week.’ ‘Data from: 26 January to 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.’
Line graph titled ‘Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19’. Text on image reads: ‘Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: USD; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’
Line graph titled ‘Positive tests (%) for flu’. Text on image reads: ‘Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: SGSS; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’”