The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing the following daily update regarding the ongoing response to the hantavirus incident linked to the vessel MV Hondius. To ensure the public remains informed, updates will now be issued daily on weekdays.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio continues to conduct thorough contact tracing assessments. We are pleased to report a significant reduction in the number of individuals initially assessed as “low risk” as further data is processed.
Clarification on Power Outages
SHG recognises that a separate incident is currently ongoing involving recent power outages. We would like to clarify that these outages are being addressed by Connect Saint Helena and has no impact on the hantavirus response. Hospital services, cold-chain storage for medical supplies, and public health monitoring systems are functioning normally and remain unaffected by these local power issues.
Reminder of Public Guidance
The risk to the general community remains low. Contact tracing for the recent Airlink flight remains the responsibility of South African authorities. All residents of St Helena who were on this flight, and have subsequently returned, have been identified and given the appropriate advice, guidance and support.
The Hantavirus Screening Line (25949) is available for anyone who had direct contact with the vessel or its passengers to report any symptoms.
Please call the line for guidance before visiting the hospital.
For further information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our dedicated Q&A page: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Hantavirus-QA-07.05.26.pdf.
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