Ascension Island Government (AIG) is aware of a confirmed case of Hantavirus associated with a passenger from the expedition vessel MV Hondius. On Monday 27 April 2026, a passenger from the vessel was admitted to Georgetown Hospital. The same individual was then medically evacuated on Wednesday 29 April. It has since been confirmed that the patient was infected with a strain of Hantavirus.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents. Transmission between individuals is rare. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle pains, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. In some cases, coughing and breathing difficulties may develop later in the illness.
As a precaution, a small number of hospital staff who were involved in the patient’s care are self-monitoring for symptoms in line with established public health guidance. The risk to the wider community is extremely low, and there is no cause for immediate concern.
AIG is working closely with the community, St Helena Government and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to monitor the situation.
In the meantime, the following additional measures are being introduced in Georgetown Hospital:
• Medical staff will use basic personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and masks, during patient consultations.
• Face-to-face consultations will be limited where possible. Patients are asked to avoid booking non-urgent appointments for the next two weeks. This will be kept under review.
• Individuals requiring medical assistance should call the hospital on 66252 in the first instance.
• Arrangements for the collection of repeat medications can be made by contacting the hospital in advance.
• An additional medical officer is being recruited to assist with maintaining essential services to our community during this period.
AIG thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding. Further updates will be provided when available.
