His Excellency, the Governor, has provided the following message:

“Dear friends,

After an eventful weekend where the UK government once again demonstrated its commitment to the Territory following the hantavirus outbreak, I want to provide an update on the ongoing response. I know many across our communities recognise the effort being committed and I continue to be grateful for your ongoing support. As you have now heard repeatedly, these measures are being applied out of an
abundance of caution. This remains the case.

Across all three islands, specific UK Health Security Agency advice and risk assessment is being followed. This ensures support is deployed on the basis of clinical need and expert recommendation.

Tristan da Cunha
On Tristan da Cunha, there is one probable case of hantavirus in an islander who had travelled on the MV Hondius. As previously, we all wish a full and speedy recovery.Comprehensive contact tracing has been completed and a small number of individuals are currently self-isolating as a precaution. At this stage, no other symptomatic cases have been identified. The wider risk to the community remains low.

To reinforce the island’s resilience, UK military personnel and medical supplies were successfully delivered by air drop on Saturday. This rapid deployment demonstrates the UK Government’s ability to provide practical support to even the most remote communities when needed.

St Helena
There are currently no suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena. As a precautionary measure, a UK public health team of three specialists arrived on Saturday alongside 14 boxes of medical kit and supplies. This enhances the island’s already strong local capability and ensures preparedness should the situation change.

Two UK military planners also arrived on Saturday. They will support ongoing response work and develop contingency options for any further assistance that may be required from the UK military or wider Government. This is prudent forward planning.

With our local Public Health team, the UK Health Security Agency continues to assess the risk to all individuals who had contact with suspected or confirmed cases while visiting St Helena. A number of residents remain in self-isolation and others are being supported while monitoring for symptoms.

The risk remains low.

All cases identified to date have been associated with passengers on the MV Hondius, where close contact was more likely. A small number of individuals currently on St Helena who travelled on the vessel have been assessed as higher risk. While the likelihood of illness remains low, UKHSA has advised that they should be the subject of pre-emptive relocation to the UK to complete their self-isolation. This is being arranged and they will be fully supported on arrival.

Ascension Island
There are currently no suspected cases of hantavirus on Ascension.

The resident medical personnel who had close contact with a confirmed case have been assessed as higher risk. In an abundance of caution, they are also being relocated. The first group has now been relocated to countries of residence in southern Africa. The second group will also be the subject of pre-emptive
relocation to the UK. This is currently being arranged.

A medical team has arrived on Ascension to replace the resident team. In addition to delivering the healthcare requirements for the island, they will continue monitoring the hantavirus response.

UKHSA advice remains that the overall risk is low and that appropriate measures are in place across the Territory.

Conclusion
I would like to thank local teams across the Territory for their professionalism and calm response, as well as UK partners for the swift provision of specialist personnel, medical supplies and operational support.

Our approach is cautious, proportionate and guided by expert medical advice. We are acting early to reduce risk, support individuals affected and protect our communities.

We continue to work closely with international partners to ensure a coordinated response and it is important that information shared publicly remains accurate and based on verified advice.

We will continue to share information as appropriate, while respecting the privacy and resilience of those directly affected. We should all avoid speculation. Further updates, including on relocation arrangements and response measures, will be provided as plans develop."

Office of the Administrator

11 May 2026