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ukhsa.bsky.social
UK Health Security Agency
@ukhsa.bsky.social
3.5K followers 1.2K following 310 posts
Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.
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ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ“„πŸ‘€ Our infographic shows the number of hospitalisations and positive tests compared to last week for each virus. If you want even more detail, read the full report:
πŸ”— www.gov.uk/government/s...
Virus watch FLU β€” DECREASED, AT BASELINE LEVELS Hospitalisations The number of hospitalised cases per 100,000 catchment population in reporting trusts. This week: 1.48 per 100,000 Last week: 2.13 per 100,000 Positive tests The percentage of specimens identified through participating laboratories surveillance. This week: 3.9% positivity Last week: 5.5% positivity COVID‑19 β€” MIXED TRENDS, AT BASELINE LEVELS Hospitalisations The number of hospitalised cases per 100,000 catchment population in reporting trusts. This week: 0.94 per 100,000 Last week: 0.77 per 100,000 Positive tests The percentage of specimens identified through participating laboratories surveillance. This week: 2.5% positivity Last week: 2.1% positivity
February 12, 2026 at 5:58 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🟣 COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and continues to circulate at baseline levels
πŸ”΅ RSV activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19 (Graph showing rolling 7‑day positivity rate, Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) Data from: 10 February 2025 – 8 February 2026 Source: USD; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV (Graph showing weekly percentage positive, Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) Data from: 10 February 2025 – 8 February 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only
February 12, 2026 at 5:58 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟒 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Positive tests (%) for flu (Graph showing positivity rate, Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) Data from: 10 February 2025 – 8 February 2026 Source: SGSS; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate
February 12, 2026 at 5:58 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
We've seen an increase in cases of mpox over recent months, but levels remain much lower than during the 2022 outbreak.

For those who are eligible, the mpox vaccine is available routinely along with other vaccines such as 4CMenB for gonorrhoea , HepA, HepB and HPV.

February 12, 2026 at 3:36 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†• Norovirus data: activity remains high but has stabilised in recent weeks
πŸ”— Full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season
A UK Health Security Agency infographic titled β€˜Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 08 February 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).
February 12, 2026 at 11:22 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
The Food Standards Agency (@foodgov.bsky.social) is reminding people to take care when handling raw pet food, following a survey that found some products can contain harmful bacteria that could make pets and their owners ill.

Read the story here: https://bit.ly/3Zo4BAl
Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: 'Raw pet food products can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. To reduce the risk of illness, pet owners should wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, clean and disinfect bowls, utensils and surfaces, store raw pet food separately from food for people and ensure good hygienic practices for handling of pet faeces.'
February 10, 2026 at 11:35 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Andi Biotic (Team UKHSA) and Bryn Biotig (Team Public Health Wales) are tackling antimicrobial resistance together at the Antibiotix Nations.

πŸŸοΈπŸ™ŒHere's what the fans are chanting on the stands:
πŸ’ŠπŸŽ΅ Don’t take them for colds or flu
πŸ’ŠπŸŽ΅ Don’t save them for later
πŸ’ŠπŸŽ΅Take as directed

#SixNations
Graphic showing two cartoon characters, Andi Biotic and Bryn Biotig, dressed as rugby players shaking hands on a stadium pitch. Andi is green and wearing a red Wales rugby shirt; Bryn is red and wearing a white England rugby shirt. The headline reads: β€˜Andi and Bryn team up to thrash bacteria in Antibiotix Nations.’ Text below says: β€˜Andi Biotic and Bryn Biotig have teamed up to remind everyone that antibiotics only beat bacterial infections, not viral ones.’
February 7, 2026 at 2:45 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
MRSA = Methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus. πŸ“–πŸ”‘

Staphylococcus (staph) are the bacteria behind common infections like impetigo, conjunctivitis and boils.

One strain has evolved into MRSA, a well known example of the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

#AMR
Graphic with a pink‑to‑orange gradient background. Text reads: 'Did you know? MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to many common antibiotics, so it can be difficult to treat.' A small crown icon appears at the top and a simple bacteria‑shaped line illustration is in the bottom right corner
February 6, 2026 at 2:28 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
⚠️ Burkholderia found in certain wipes.

Burkholderia are bacteria that rarely cause harm in healthy people but sometimes cause serious infections, particularly for those with certain medical conditions or managing IV lines at home:

https://bit.ly/3Hhq4W4

Public safety notice showing four types of alcohol‑free cleansing wipes: ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes, Reliwipe Alcohol-Free Cleansing Wipes, and Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free. The message states: β€˜If you own any of these wipes, we remind you to stop using them.’ A note at the bottom reads: β€˜These products should not be used, please check your first aid kits and if you find any dispose of them.
February 6, 2026 at 11:09 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”’πŸ” Our infographic shows the number of hospitalisations and positive tests compared to last week for each virus. If you want even more detail, read the full report:
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Dashboard titled β€˜Virus watch’ with sections for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV. Text on image reads: Flu – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: β€˜This week 2.19 per 100,000, down from 3.35 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: β€˜This week 5.4% positivity, down from 7.1% positivity last week.’ COVID‑19 – Mixed trends, at baseline levels Hospitalisations: β€˜This week 0.77 per 100,000, down from 0.89 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: β€˜This week 2% positivity, down from 2.2% positivity last week.’ RSV – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: β€˜This week 1.68 per 100,000, down from 2.07 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: β€˜This week 4.8% positivity, down from 6% positivity last week.’ β€˜Data from: 26 January to 1 February 2026.’ β€˜Source: National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.’
February 5, 2026 at 4:21 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🟣 COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and continues to circulate at baseline levels
πŸ”΅ RSV activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Line graph titled β€˜Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19’. Text on image reads: β€˜Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ β€˜Source: USD; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’ Line graph titled β€˜Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV’. Text on image reads: β€˜Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ β€˜Source: Respiratory Datamart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only.’
February 5, 2026 at 4:21 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟒 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Line graph titled β€˜Positive tests (%) for flu’. Text on image reads: β€˜Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ β€˜Source: SGSS; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’”
February 5, 2026 at 4:21 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”— Read the full news story here:
www.gov.uk/government/n...
UKHSAΒ remindsΒ travellers to Cape Verde to protect againstΒ gastrointestinalΒ infections
In addition, UKHSA has also identified increases inΒ cases ofΒ Salmonella associatedΒ withΒ travel toΒ Cape Verde.
www.gov.uk
February 5, 2026 at 11:31 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ“°πŸ†• Our latest data shows cases of Shigella and Salmonella linked to travel to Cape Verde, a popular winter sun destination. As many UK residents prepare for half-term holidays, we share advice on how to avoid gastrointestinal infections.
Dr Gauri Godbole Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: β€œFebruary is a popular time for winter sun holidays and we want to help families make the most of their breaks by staying healthy. The best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections, including Shigella and Salmonella, or passing them to others, is simply by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol gel – particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.”
February 5, 2026 at 11:30 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†• Norovirus data: norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over.
πŸ”— Read the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season
A UK Health Security Agency infographic titled β€˜Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 01 February 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).
February 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”— Read the health protection report here: www.gov.uk/government/p...
HPR volume 19 issue 11: news (4 December 2025)
www.gov.uk
February 2, 2026 at 5:40 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
We are current investigating Shigella cases linked to travel to Cape Verde. Regular handwashing with soap and water (especially after the toilet, changing nappies, and before handling food) is the best way to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
Gauri Godbole Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, said: β€œWe’re investigating a number of Shigella cases in the UK. Most people affected had travelled to Cape Verde, mainly staying at hotels in the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Shigella can cause watery and bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. It can be caught from contaminated food or water, often linked to overseas travel, but can also be transmitted during and after sex.”
February 2, 2026 at 5:40 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”— Read more on the changes: www.gov.uk/government/p...
Expansion of RSV vaccine eligibility to those aged 80 years and older and residents in care homes for older adults letter
www.gov.uk
February 2, 2026 at 12:13 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
From 1 April 2026, the RSV vaccination programme will extend eligibility to:
πŸ§“ Adults aged 80 years and over
🏠 All residents in older adult care homes, regardless of age
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: RSV lung infection is less well known than COVID or flu but for older adults it puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life. This extension of the RSV vaccination programme to everyone over 80 or living in a care home for older adults means many more will soon be able to get protected. This follows advice from JCVI based on new evidence showing the clear benefit of vaccination for these groups.
February 2, 2026 at 12:13 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Last Tuesday, colleagues from Institut Pasteur de Dakar visited our Porton Down site to advance our landmark partnership on global health security.

We're working together to accelerate vaccine development, enhance disease surveillance and build laboratory capacity for future outbreak response.
Dr Julia Tree, Dr Cheikh Tidiane Diagne, Dr Reno Roberts, Dr Daniel Bailey, Dr. Ibrahima SocΓ© Fall, Dr Bassam Hallis, Dr James Bunn, Dr Joe Fitchett, Dr Mark Street-Docherty at UKHSA's Porton Down site
January 30, 2026 at 2:39 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”— Read the full news story here:
www.gov.uk/government/n...
1 in 4 school-leavers unprotected by HPV vaccine
A quarter of school‑leavers are unvaccinated against HPV, leaving young women at risk of cervical cancer and both sexes vulnerable to other HPV‑related cancers
www.gov.uk
January 29, 2026 at 5:50 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†•πŸ“° The latest data from our HPV vaccination programme shows 1 in 4 school‑leavers are unvaccinated against HPV. This leaves young women at risk of cervical cancer and both sexes vulnerable to other HPV‑related cancers.
1 in 4 school-leavers missing out on protection offered by HPV vaccine against several cancers Dr Sharif Ismail Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: While HPV uptake has remained stable, vaccination rates are still well below pre-pandemic levels and around 1 in 4 young people are still leaving school unprotected against several cancers. Driving up vaccine uptake will require sustained, targeted action across the NHS and wider health partners with support in schools, to improve awareness of the life-saving importance of HPV vaccination and ensure it’s easy to get, especially if you have missed out. Young people remain eligible to catch up at their GP surgery until their 25th birthday.
January 29, 2026 at 5:50 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ”’πŸ“· Our infographic shows the number of hospitalisations and positive tests compared to last week for each virus. If you want even more detail, read the full report:
πŸ”— www.gov.uk/government/s...
UKHSA Virus Watch: Data from 19 January to 25 January 2026 Flu Decreased, at low levels. Hospitalisations: This week 3.34 per 100,000, last week 4.71. Positive tests: This week 6.9%, last week 9.7%. COVID‑19 Mixed trends, at baseline levels. Hospitalisations: This week 0.86 per 100,000, last week 0.94. Positive tests: This week 2.2%, last week 1.9%. RSV Decreased, at low levels. Hospitalisations: This week 2.02 per 100,000, last week 2.55. Positive tests: This week 5.9%, last week 6.5%. Source: National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.
January 29, 2026 at 5:19 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🟣 COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and continues to circulate at baseline levels
πŸ”΅ RSV activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Graph titled β€œPositive tests (%) for COVID‑19.” Data from 27 January 2025 to 25 January 2026. Source: USD; England only; rolling 7‑day positivity rate. Graph titled β€œWeekly positive tests (%) for RSV.” Data from 27 January 2025 to 25 January 2026. Source: Respiratory DataMart System; England only; weekly percentage of tests positive.
January 29, 2026 at 5:19 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
πŸ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟒 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
Graph titled β€œPositive tests (%) for flu.” Data from 27 January 2025 to 25 January 2026. Source: USD; England only; rolling 7‑day positivity rate.
January 29, 2026 at 5:19 PM