#public-health-wales — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-14 · 18:00 UTC

MV HONDIUS: Public health body confirms ‘small number’ of Welsh residents self-isolating after hantavirus cruise ship outbreak

Welsh residents are self-isolating following the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, Public Health Wales has confirmed.

The health body said it is supporting “a small number” of Welsh residents connected to the outbreak on the MV Hondius — a Dutch cruise ship that sailed from Argentina in April and became the centre of an international public health emergency after hantavirus cases were confirmed on board.

All the Welsh residents are well and none are showing symptoms. There are no known cases of hantavirus in Wales.

A Public Health Wales spokesperson said: “We are supporting a small number of Welsh residents linked with the hantavirus outbreak. Individuals will receive regular precautionary testing and a daily assessment for the duration of their self-isolation.”

An illustration of the hantavirus particle. The rodent-borne virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease. (Image: Ruslanas Baranauskas / Science Photo Library)

Three people have died in connection with the outbreak. As of today, there are eight confirmed cases of the virus linked to the ship, with two further suspected cases.

British nationals who were on board were flown from Tenerife to Manchester on 10 May and taken by coach to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, where they have been assessed and tested. Six have since gone home or to alternative accommodation to continue isolating. All remaining passengers at Arrowe Park are symptom-free and have tested negative.

Passengers face up to 45 days of isolation from their last exposure, with daily contact from UK Health Security Agency health protection teams throughout.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents — rats, mice and voles — spread through their droppings, urine and saliva. People usually catch it by breathing in contaminated air, most often in rural or agricultural settings where people and rodents come into close contact.

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice, rats and voles, spread through their droppings, urine and saliva. People usually catch the virus by breathing in contaminated air.

The strain behind the MV Hondius outbreak is Andes hantavirus, confirmed by laboratories in South Africa and Switzerland. Unlike most hantaviruses, Andes virus can in rare cases spread between people — but only through very close and prolonged contact, not through everyday social contact.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. In serious cases, the lungs can fill with fluid. Symptoms appear two to four weeks after exposure, but can take up to 40 days.

There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment. Care is supportive — managing symptoms, with hospital treatment and respiratory support in severe cases.

The Andes virus has never been detected in UK rodents. The only hantavirus strain found in the UK is Seoul hantavirus, carried by rats, which does not spread between people.

The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the general public remains very low.

The strain behind this outbreak is Andes hantavirus — a more serious type that, in rare cases, can spread between people through very close and prolonged contact. It is not caught through everyday social contact.

Public Health Wales was unambiguous on that point. “Going to public spaces, shops, workplaces, or schools does not pose a risk,” the spokesperson said.

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. In serious cases, the lungs can fill with fluid. Symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after exposure, but can take up to 40 days to develop. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment — doctors can only treat the symptoms.

The Andes virus has never been detected in the UK rodent population, meaning there is no ongoing risk from wildlife here. The only strain of hantavirus seen in the UK is Seoul hantavirus, which is carried by rats but does not spread between people.

If any of the Welsh residents currently isolating develop symptoms, Public Health Wales said robust arrangements are in place to ensure they get urgent medical attention.

Public Health Wales is working with the Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency, Welsh health boards and local authorities to co-ordinate the response.

The latest updates on the outbreak are available from the UK Health Security Agency at gov.uk.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Public Health Wales stories from Swansea Bay News
All our Public Health Wales coverage from across south-west Wales.

#featured #hantavirus #PublicHealthWales

#featured #hantavirus #publichealthwales

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-21 · 15:23 UTC

West Wales: Urgent warning to parents as meningitis outbreak sparks fears

Health chiefs covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion say the disease can become “very serious quickly” — and are warning that not all children and teenagers are fully protected.

The warning comes as a major outbreak in Kent has seen dozens of cases and at least two deaths, with health officials racing to contain the spread.

The cluster — centred around Canterbury — has been linked to schools and universities, with cases rising rapidly and thousands of people offered vaccines and antibiotics.

Experts have also warned there is a risk of further cases appearing elsewhere, particularly as people travel around the country.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said vaccination remains the strongest defence.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities,” she said.

Figures show that in west Wales, uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among teenagers is just 76.4% — meaning many school leavers are still unprotected.

For younger children, rates are higher but still below the 95% target:

92.8% vaccinated by their first birthday
91.8% by their second birthday

Officials say more families must come forward to close the gap.

Public Health Wales has also stressed the seriousness of the disease, even though overall case numbers in Wales remain relatively low.

Dr Christopher Johnson said: “While meningococcal disease is rare, it can become very serious quickly.

“The most important thing people can do is be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical advice if they are concerned.”

He warned symptoms can escalate fast and may include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion and a rash that does not fade when pressed.

“Not everyone will have all of the symptoms,” he added. “If someone becomes suddenly unwell or symptoms worsen quickly, it is important to seek medical help immediately.”

Meningitis can lead to life-threatening complications including septicaemia, and around one in 10 cases can be fatal.

Health bosses are now urging parents and carers across west Wales to check vaccination records, contact their GP if any doses have been missed, and remain vigilant.

They say quick action could save lives.

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#HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #MenACWYVaccine #Meningitis #MeningitisB #PublicHealthWales #vaccination

#hywelddauniversityhealthboard #menacwyvaccine #meningitis #meningitisb #publichealthwales #vaccination

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-02-04 · 20:04 UTC

Too hefty to handle: Welsh fire crews swamped by super‑size rescue callouts

New figures show fire crews across Britain have been called out 15,849 times since 2020 to help people who are stuck, trapped or unable to be moved because of their size — the equivalent of a rescue every 3 hours and 20 minutes.

And Wales is right at the centre of the surge.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service — covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys — handled 656 of these incidents, making it the fifth‑highest total in the UK.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service — which covers Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan and the Valleys — recorded 1,174 callouts, the second‑highest in Britain.

A growing “heavy‑lift” problem

In Mid and West Wales, the number of people needing specialist rescue because they were “too heavy to handle” has more than doubled in four years — rising from 59 in 2020 to 136 in 2024.

Crews spent 33,620 minutes on these jobs — that’s 560 hours, or 23 days of non‑stop work.

Across the UK, firefighters have spent the equivalent of 384.5 days on these rescues since 2020.

“It’s exhausting, dangerous and takes hours”

A frontline firefighter with London Fire Brigade, who took part in several bariatric rescues, said these callouts are among the most physically demanding jobs crews face.

The firefighter said:

“Jobs that would be simple with a healthier‑weight casualty become exhausting. You’re using more air, staying longer in dangerous conditions and risking heat exhaustion or collapse.”

He described one rescue that lasted ten hours and required an extraordinary multi‑agency response.

Instead of a straightforward lift, the operation drew in five fire engines, multiple specialist rescue units, four ambulances, a heavy‑duty bariatric ambulance and police support.

Crews had to dismantle part of the property — removing a balcony and three sets of doors — before building a reinforced ramp and using rope systems to lower the casualty safely to the roadside.

Even then, it took nine firefighters just to move the patient onto a stretcher, and one crew member suffered a back injury during the lift.

“These jobs push us beyond safe limits,” he said.

Callouts rising fast — but may now be slowing

The number of “too‑heavy‑to‑move” rescues rose 76% between 2020 and 2024 — increasing from 1,804 incidents to 3,183 across the UK.

However, the study also found that between 2022 and 2024, bariatric incidents fell by 13%, dropping from 3,653 to 3,183. Researchers suggest this may be linked to the rapid rise in weight‑loss injections, now used by an estimated 1.6 million adults.

“Obesity is putting huge pressure on emergency services”

ZAVA — the online healthcare provider that commissioned the UK‑wide FOI study — said the findings highlight the growing strain obesity places on frontline responders.

Dr Crystal Wyllie from ZAVA said:

“Obesity puts huge pressure not just on the NHS but on fire and rescue services too. These callouts are risky, physically demanding and take crews away from other emergencies.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service response

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said bariatric rescues — the callouts where someone is too heavy to move without firefighters and specialist kit — are becoming an increasingly common part of their workload.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Although fire and rescue services in Wales have no statutory duty to carry out bariatric rescues, we remain committed to supporting the people we serve and our emergency service partners whenever they need us.
“Bariatric incidents are increasing across the UK, and while these situations can be complex, our crews continue to respond with professionalism and compassion to ensure the safety and dignity of everyone involved.
“Our priority is always to help our communities and we will continue to work closely with colleagues in health and ambulance services to provide the best possible support where it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

#ambulanceSupportWales #bariatricRescue #bariatricRescues #heavyLiftRescues #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #obesity #obesityUK #PublicHealthWales #SouthWalesFireAndRescueService #ZAVAStudy

#ambulancesupportwales #bariatricrescue #bariatricrescues #heavyliftrescues #midandwestwalesfireandrescueservice #obesity

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-12-11 · 09:37 UTC

Flu cases soar in Wales — experts urge vaccination as children hit hardest

Flu cases are climbing sharply across Wales this winter, with health experts warning that vulnerable groups should take practical steps to protect themselves.

Public Health Wales says Influenza A is spreading quickly, echoing figures from Scotland where cases jumped 45% in a single week. Doctors are urging people to stay vigilant as symptoms of colds, flu and Covid‑19 overlap, making it harder to know what illness you’re fighting.

Spotting the difference

Dr Nabil Jarad, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Spire Bristol Hospital, explained:

“A sore throat, cough and runny nose are symptoms most people recognise as having a cold or the flu. However, telling whether you have one or the other is often more challenging.”

He added:

“Both the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect your upper respiratory system — this includes your nose, mouth and throat. The symptoms of a cold and the flu overlap, which is why it is easy to confuse the two conditions.”

Colds usually come on gradually, with mild coughs, sneezing, headaches and tiredness. They are most often caused by rhinoviruses and typically clear within 7–10 days.

Flu, by contrast, hits harder and faster.

Dr Jarad noted:

“Symptoms usually come on faster than with a cold and are more severe. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, muscle ache and loss of appetite, are normally seen in flu but not in the common cold.”

Flu sufferers often experience stronger body aches, fever and loss of appetite, alongside a dry, hacking cough. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks.

Nurse administering an intramuscular vaccination in the left shoulder

Vaccine effectiveness

At the same time, new research published this week shows the flu vaccine is offering strong protection, especially for children.

The study, carried out in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, found this year’s jab is 72% effective in preventing hospital admissions among 2‑17 year olds. That’s crucial, as children and adolescents are currently seeing the highest infection rates.

For adults aged 65 and over, the vaccine is 34% effective against hospitalisation — comparable to previous years. Results mirror findings in England, where effectiveness was 74% in children and around 33–39% in adults.

Parents are being urged to get children vaccinated even if they missed school immunisation teams. Protection develops within 14 days, so uptake before Christmas is vital.

Winter well‑being

Public Health Wales has also issued practical advice to stay safe this winter:

Make a winter plan and keep emergency contacts handy.
Heat lived‑in rooms to at least 18°C and eat warm meals.
Use NHS 111 online and pharmacies for care, and order prescriptions early.
Stay connected — check in on neighbours and family.
Reduce infection risk with handwashing, ventilation, and staying home when unwell.

Who’s most at risk?

Older adults, care home residents, and people with long‑term conditions such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are most vulnerable to serious flu outcomes. Adults with chronic liver disease face a 48‑fold increased risk, while those with weakened immune systems are 45 times more likely to suffer severe illness.

The bottom line

With flu cases surging and symptoms overlapping with Covid‑19, experts say vaccination remains the best defence. For children in particular, the jab is proving highly effective at keeping them out of hospital — and could be the difference between a miserable winter and a safe one.

Related stories: Flu in Wales

Record flu jab uptake in Swansea Bay
More adults eligible for the free flu jab have been vaccinated here than anywhere else in Wales.

Flu vaccination programme extended
Jabs now offered to over‑50s and secondary school pupils across Wales.

Respiratory infections investigated at Neath school
Public health officials probe cluster of cases as flu season intensifies.

Concern over low uptake in toddlers
Health board warns risks to 2–3 year‑olds if vaccination rates don’t improve.

Flu jab for over‑50s and schoolchildren
Welsh Government expands programme alongside Covid boosters.

#Cold #flu #fluVaccination #InfluenzaA #PublicHealthWales #vaccination #virus

#cold #flu #fluvaccination #influenzaa #publichealthwales #vaccination

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-12-10 · 10:08 UTC

Sunday lunch horror: 43 struck down at Welsh pub

More than 40 people were left sick and rushing to the loo after eating Sunday lunch at the Corner House Inn in Llangynwyd, near Maesteg.

The pub shut its doors for a deep clean after customers reported stomach cramps and diarrhoea just hours after their meals.

Bug behind the outbreak

Public Health Wales confirmed 43 cases of food poisoning, blaming the bacteria clostridium perfringens. The bug is known to lurk in meat and poultry left out too long.

Officials said the risk to the wider public is low, but admitted the outbreak was one of the largest seen in Wales this year.

Pub vows honesty

In a Facebook post, the Corner House Inn said: “We contacted environmental health ourselves… we will be honest throughout and will continue to do so.”

The owners promised to keep working with inspectors to protect staff and customers, insisting the restaurant remains open.

Not the first time

It comes just weeks after a similar outbreak at the Cwrt Henllys Bar and Restaurant in Cwmbran, also linked to Sunday lunch.

The Food Standards Agency warns spores from the bug can survive cooking and multiply if food is cooled too slowly or left unrefrigerated.

Children, pregnant women, older people and those with health conditions are most at risk of severe illness.

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#clostridiumPerfringens #EnvironmentalHealth #foodDrink #foodPoisoning #Llangynwyd #Maesteg #pub #PublicHealthWales #SundayLunch

#clostridiumperfringens #environmentalhealth #fooddrink #foodpoisoning #llangynwyd #maesteg

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-11-30 · 16:53 UTC

Investigation launched after respiratory infections at Neath primary school

Several children attending Blaenhonddan Primary School have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infections, prompting a coordinated response from Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Neath Port Talbot Council.

In a statement, Public Health Wales confirmed it is working closely with the school and local partners to manage the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

“Public Health Wales is supporting the school and partners to reduce the spread of illness and to provide public health advice to parents and staff,” the agency said.

Parents and guardians are being urged to monitor children for symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.

James Adamson, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are aware of several cases of acute respiratory infections linked to the school and are working closely with Swansea Bay University Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Council and the school to manage the situation.”

He added that the flu season is now underway in Wales, and respiratory infections are common among children at this time of year.

“The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales,” Mr Adamson said. “Having the flu vaccination every year remains the best way for people to protect themselves and their children.”

The school remains open, with additional hygiene measures and public health guidance in place.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

#blaenhonddanPrimarySchool #bryncoch #neath #phw #publicHealthWales #respiratoryInfection