You may have seen in the news that UKHSA is participating in a cross-governmental response for the hantavirus situation that emerged on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius.

About Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a group of infections primarily spread from rodents to humans through contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva, typically in environments where people and rodents coexist.

It can cause a range of illness from mild, flu‑like symptoms to severe respiratory disease, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, and in some cases shortness of breath or more serious complications.

Human‑to‑human transmission is rare and generally limited to very close contact, with most infections linked to environmental exposure.

Latest information from UKHSA

The response to the outbreak of hantavirus linked to MV Hondius continues.

Latest information on cases including British nationals on the can be found here.

UKHSA has also written a blog explaining what hantavirus is, how it is transmitted and what the symptoms are. This blog page updated as new information emerges.

Read the blog here.

Risk to the ASC sector

The risk to wider UK population is currently assessed as very low and DHSC is not anticipating an impact on ASC. 

The Department will be provided with up-to-date information from UKHSA where appropriate.

Existing infection prevention and control guidance

Please continue to follow the existing infection prevention and control in adult social care settings guidance, which can be found here.

We will continue to liaise with DHSC and update this page accordingly.