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UK Health Security Agency
@ukhsa.bsky.social
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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
🆕 #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
🆕 Norovirus data: activity remains high but has stabilised in recent weeks
🔗 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 ‘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.

🏟️🙌Here's what the fans are chanting on the stands:
💊🎵 Don’t take them for colds or flu
💊🎵 Don’t save them for later
💊🎵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: ‘Andi and Bryn team up to thrash bacteria in Antibiotix Nations.’ Text below says: ‘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. 📖🔡

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: ‘If you own any of these wipes, we remind you to stop using them.’ A note at the bottom reads: ‘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
🆕 #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 ‘Positive tests (%) for flu’. Text on image reads: ‘Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: SGSS; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’”
February 5, 2026 at 4:21 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
📰🆕 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: “February 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
🆕 Norovirus data: norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over.
🔗 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 ‘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
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: “We’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
From 1 April 2026, the RSV vaccination programme will extend eligibility to:
🧓 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 Socé 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
🆕📰 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
🆕 #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 “Positive 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
ukhsa.bsky.social
🆕 Norovirus data: activity for the winter vomiting bug has increased in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over
🔗 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 ‘Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 25 January 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).
January 29, 2026 at 11:01 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
You may have seen Nipah virus mentioned online recently, due to an outbreak in India (West Bengal). Understanding symptoms and prevention is important if travelling to an affected area.

We routinely monitor Nipah virus and no cases have been found in the UK. Read more: https://bit.ly/49ZN7iq
A map of South and South-East Asia titled “Map of human cases of Nipah virus.” Countries and regions with reported human cases are shaded in different colours based on transmission type. Dark blue areas indicate community transmission or animal‑to‑human transmission, including parts of India (such as Kerala and West Bengal), Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore. Light green areas show limited local transmission linked to imported or laboratory‑acquired cases, including parts of the Philippines (Mindanao). Yellow areas indicate unknown transmission status in the surrounding region. The map includes national borders and labels for countries such as India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. A legend explains the colour categories.
January 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Join us for a free online webinar on Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) on Thursday 12 February, 12:30 to 14:00.

We'll be looking at preliminary findings from the CDI incident stood up in December 2024, plus other insights & developments.

Sign up: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/98b9ab...
A promotional poster from the UK Health Security Agency for a webinar titled “Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) webinar: Insights and developments.” The poster lists four speakers with circular portrait placeholders and their presentation topics. Sam Watkin, Project Team Lead in Biosafety at UKHSA and PhD Researcher at UCL, presenting on the sporicidal efficacy of disinfectant agents against circulating C. difficile ribotypes. Dr Amreet Battu, Field Epidemiology Training Programme Fellow at UKHSA, presenting initial findings from a CDI survey of acute hospital trusts in England. Dr David Williams, Lead Bioinformatician at UKHSA, presenting on national CDI sentinel‑centre surveillance using whole genome sequencing to detect emerging or high‑risk strains. Hilary Munube, Infection Prevention and Control Lead for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire ICB, presenting on understanding risk factors and opportunities to reduce community CDI. The bottom of the poster includes a contact email: mandatory.surveillance@ukhsa.gov.uk.
January 27, 2026 at 11:06 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status.

Read more from WHO here: https://bit.ly/3YZuOFa
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls; elimination is only possible if all children receive two MMRV doses before school. Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.'
January 26, 2026 at 2:41 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🆕 #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 “Positive tests (%) for flu.” Data from 20 January 2025 to 18 January 2026. Source: SGSS; England only; 7‑day rolling average.
January 22, 2026 at 3:11 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🆕 Norovirus data: norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over.

🔗 Full report: https://bit.ly/3LYvd7J
A UK Health Security Agency infographic titled ‘Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 18 January 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Reports start around 80–100 per week in July, dip slightly in August, then rise steadily through autumn. By late December and January, the bars increase sharply, peaking above 450 reports. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).
January 22, 2026 at 10:05 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Croup is a common childhood condition that affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs, and the voice box. It mainly affects babies and young children.

Find out about the symptoms in our blog post: https://bit.ly/4jMsNpa
January 21, 2026 at 4:52 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
UKHSA's English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) abstracts are now available in a dedicated journal supplement, making this vital data more accessible to researchers, clinicians and policymakers.

See the abstracts here: academic.oup.com/jacamr/issue...
Infographic from the ESPAUR 2024 to 2025 report
January 20, 2026 at 8:15 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Later in the year, we’ll be kicking off our conference in Manchester, bringing together the health security community for 2 days of cutting‑edge science. 🧪🐝

📅 Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September 2026.
https://www.conference.ukhsa.gov.uk/
UKHSA Conference 2026
The UKHSA Conference returns to Manchester in September 2026, bringing together the health security community for two days of cutting-edge science, innovative practice and dynamic discussion. Be part of thought-provoking keynote speeches, a dynamic mult...
www.conference.ukhsa.gov.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:09 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased, circulating at low levels
Graph titled “Positive tests for flu.” Data from 13 January 2025 to 11 January 2026. Source: SGSS; England only; 7‑day rolling average.
January 15, 2026 at 2:18 PM