Virtual townhall meeting scheduled for 19:00 on Monday 11 May 2026
The Ascension Island Government and Georgetown Hospital recognise that members of the community may have questions or concerns regarding the hantavirus situation linked to the expedition vessel, MV Hondius, particularly following recent international media coverage.
To provide an opportunity for discussion and questions, we are planning to hold a virtual Town Hall meeting at 19:00 on Monday, 11 May at which the Administrator, Georgetown Hospital and UKHSA will brief and take questions on the current situation.
The meeting is open to anyone on Ascension Island. The Teams Link to join will be provided via Employing Organisations.
In the meantime, any community member who has concerns or questions they would like addressed directly by the Senior Medical Officer is invited to submit them via email to stephanie.sherrin@ascension.gov.ac. Every effort will be made to ensure responses are provided by the next working day.
The situation on Ascension Island remains unchanged. There continues to be no evidence of any wider risk to the community, and the risk to the public remains low. As a precaution, a small number of individuals who had close and prolonged contact with the patient continue to be monitored by the medical team.
Hantavirus is not easily transmitted between people, and everyday social contact, including in workplaces and public spaces, is not considered a risk for spreading the virus. Symptoms such as mild abdominal discomfort, fatigue or general illness are common and not, on their own, indicative of hantavirus, particularly in the absence of known close exposure.
Georgetown Hospital continues to operate safely. Individuals seeking medical assistance are asked to follow current guidance by contacting the hospital by telephone on 66252 in the first instance. Anyone experiencing symptoms and who believes that they may have had relevant close contact should avoid attending the hospital in person unless advised to by medical staff.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
