The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled update on the territorial hantavirus response.
Successful Pre-emptive Relocation to the UK
A coordinated territorial operation was successfully completed over the weekend to relocate individuals identified as the highest risk contacts to the United Kingdom.
A chartered Titan Airways flight arrived on St Helena on Saturday, 16 May, before flying to Ascension Island on Sunday, 17 May. The flight has since departed for the UK, successfully relocating a total of nine individuals (four from St Helena and five from Ascension Island). All individuals arrived safely in the UK, where they are continuing their isolation periods in proximity to specialised medical facilities. None of these individuals were showing symptoms of illness, and the transfer was executed purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure. The symptomatic patient on Ascension Island transferred to the UK by medevac on Friday 15 May also arrived safely and is now being assessed. Hantavirus tests continue to be negative and symptoms are resolving.
Gold Command wishes to express its sincere thanks to all stakeholders involved in ensuring this complex operation was completed safely and efficiently, including teams at St Helena Airport, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Government, local Emergency Services, and Public Health officials.
Territorial Status and Testing Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena. The patient admitted last week under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols continues to receive care at the Jamestown General Hospital.
- On-Island Testing: Specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel continue to manage the newly established, limited on-island laboratory testing capability. Testing remains strictly reserved for clinical screening as determined by the medical team and is not available on request.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case remains stable.
- Ascension Island: Further to the precautionary medevac of a patient last week, there are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
Communications Schedule and Public Guidance
In line with our adjusted schedule, routine updates have decreased in frequency. The next regular update will be shared via local radio broadcast this Wednesday, 20 May, followed by the next formal press release on Friday, 22 May. If any urgent developments occur, additional updates will be issued immediately.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before visiting any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #GoldCommand #TerritorialUpdate