The Ascension Island Government and Georgetown Hospital are continuing to manage the current hantavirus response in line with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and World Health Organization (WHO) public health guidance and advice.
We recognise the community’s concerns over yesterday’s news that a high-risk contact had developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus. The Hospital Team are continuing to monitor the individual, whose temperature came down overnight. Alongside managing the medical response itself, we are also mindful of the anxiety that situations of this nature can create. We would therefore like to provide further clarification regarding the current public health measures in place.
Individuals identified as high-risk contacts are now self-isolating and being closely monitored as a precautionary measure. Individuals assessed as low-risk contacts are not required to self-isolate under current WHO guidance and advice from UKHSA. Instead, those individuals are being monitored for symptoms and have been asked to report any concerns promptly to the medical services.
We are aware of concerns raised by members of the public regarding whether all low-risk contacts should also enter isolation. Based on UKHSA advice, such wider isolation measures are neither necessary nor supported by evidence.
Regarding the family member who travelled to St Helena on Sunday, 10 May 2026, public health specialists have today confirmed that the individual is considered low risk and does not require self-isolation. Public health specialists have advised that the likelihood of transmission in this circumstance is considered almost zero.
The community will be updated as further information becomes available.
Office of the Administrator
13 May 2026