UK Health Security Agency

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.

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 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.

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...

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.'

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

Virus Watch (12 January to 18 January 2026) Flu Decreased, at low levels. Hospitalisations: This week 4.85 per 100,000, last week 6.03. Positive tests: This week 10.5%, last week 11.8%. COVID‑19 Stable, at baseline levels. Hospitalisations: This week 0.88 per 100,000, last week 0.91. Positive tests: This week 1.8%, last week 1.7%. RSV Decreased, at low levels. Hospitalisations: This week 2.53 per 100,000, last week 3.21. Positive tests: This week 6.4%, last week 7.0%. Source: National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.

🔢🔍 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...

COVID‑19 Graph titled “Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19.” Data from 20 January 2025 to 18 January 2026. Source: USD; England only; 7‑day rolling average.

Graph titled “Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV.” Data from 20 January 2025 to 18 January 2026. Source: Respiratory DataMart System; England only; weekly percentage of tests positive.

🟣 COVID-19 activity remained stable and continues to circulate at baseline levels
🔵 RSV activity decreased slightly 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.

🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels

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).

🆕 Norovirus data: norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over.

🔗 Full report: https://bit.ly/3LYvd7J

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

Infographic from the ESPAUR 2024 to 2025 report

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...

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...

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/

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...

Graph titled “Positive tests for COVID‑19.” Data from 13 January 2025 to 11 January 2026. Source: USD; England only; 7‑day rolling average.

Graph titled “Positive tests for RSV.” Data from 13 January 2025 to 11 January 2026. Source: Respiratory DataMart System; England only; weekly percentage of tests positive.

🟣 COVID-19 activity remained stable, circulating at baseline levels
🔵 RSV activity decreased slightly, circulating at medium levels

Graph titled “Positive tests for flu.” Data from 13 January 2025 to 11 January 2026. Source: SGSS; England only; 7‑day rolling average.

🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased, circulating at low levels

Image shows a bar chart of weekly positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 11 January 2026. Data source: Second‑Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).

🆕 Norovirus data: Activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels.
🔗 Full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season

Nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for up to seven days. Longer use can cause rebound congestion, worsening symptoms.

Our survey shows nearly 60% of pharmacists questioned believe patients don’t know this risk.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3MEkkIk

UKHSA Virus Watch Data from 29 December to 4 January 2026. Flu Mixed trends, at medium levels. Hospitalisations: This week 7.19 per 100,000, last week 6.85. Positive tests: This week 13.9%, last week 15.4%. COVID‑19 Mixed trends, at baseline levels. Hospitalisations: This week 0.87 per 100,000, last week 0.77. Positive tests: This week 1.6%, last week 1.6%. RSV Mixed trends, at medium levels. Hospitalisations: This week 3.30 per 100,000, last week 3.26. Positive tests: This week 8.6%, last week 10.1%. Source: National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “Further falls in flu levels overall are encouraging but cases of flu and RSV among older age groups are staying stubbornly stable for now, with no signs of a drop in the number of older adults needing emergency care for respiratory illnesses. "We know flu is unpredictable, and the end of flu season could be some months away. “People aged 65 and over, and others most at risk, can still get a flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. "

Our infographic shows the number of hospitalisations and positive tests compared to last week for each virus, while consultant epidemiologist Dr Conall Watson shares insights from this week’s report. 👨‍🔬💬
🔗 If you want more detail, read the full report:
www.gov.uk/government/s...

Graph titled “Positive tests for RSV.” Data from 06 January 2025 to 04 January 2026. Source: Respiratory DataMart System; England only; weekly percentage of tests positive.

Graph titled “Positive tests for COVID‑19.” Data from 06 January 2025 to 04 January 2026. Source: USD; England only; 7‑day rolling average.

🟣 COVID-19 also shows mixed trends, circulating at baseline levels
🔵 RSV similarly shows mixed trends, circulating at medium levels

Graph titled “Positive tests for flu.” Data from 06 January 2025 to 04 January 2026. Source: SGSS; England only; 7‑day rolling average.

🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu shows mixed trends, circulating at medium levels

Image shows a bar chart of weekly positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 4 January 2026. Green bars represent weekly case numbers, which start around 80–100 in summer, dip slightly in early autumn, then rise sharply from mid‑October, peaking at around 250–275 reports in late November and early December. A dotted line shows the 5‑season average, which is higher than recent weekly totals. Labels note the data source: Second‑Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).

🆕 Norovirus data: Activity has varied in recent weeks and remains within expected levels.

🔗 Full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season

Warning graphic showing the current warnings for snow and ice across the country for Tuesday

Warning graphic showing the current warnings for snow and ice across the country for Wednesday

Warning graphic showing the current warnings for snow and ice across the country for Thursday and Friday

Multiple warnings have been issued for the coming days, here is a summery of the situation as it currently stands 👇

Latest info 👉 bit.ly/WxWarning

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️

A map of England, where every region is coloured amber.

🟠⚠ Amber Cold-health alerts have now been issued across England until January 6. Forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health & social care services.
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/cold

Image of Dr Bassam Hallis. Text reads, 'Congratulations Dr Bassam Hallis OBE, Deputy Director, Countermeasures Development, Evaluation and Preparedness at UK Health Security Agency receives Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)'

🎉We're thrilled to share that Dr Bassam Hallis has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours.

Bassam has dedicated his career to developing and evaluating vaccines and therapeutics for high-consequence infectious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.

Map showing the Cold-health alert levels across England

Amber Cold-health alerts have been issued for the North East & North West of England. Forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health & social care services.

All other areas of England are at the lower, yellow level.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4pXenF0

UKHSA Virus Watch Data from 15 December to 21 December 2025. Flu Decreased, at medium levels. Hospitalisations: This week 7.85 per 100,000, last week 9.98. Positive tests: This week 17.2%, last week 21.1%. COVID-19 Stable, at baseline levels. Hospitalisations: This week 0.91 per 100,000, last week 1.09. Positive tests: This week 1.6%, last week 1.9%. RSV Mixed trends, at medium levels. Hospitalisations: This week 4.07 per 100,000, last week 3.63. Positive tests: This week 9.8%, last week 10%. Source: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report.

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...

Graph titled “Positive tests for RSV.” Data from: 23 December 2024 – 21 December 2025. Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

Graph titled “Positive tests for COVID-19.” Data from: 23 December 2024 – 21 December 2025. Source: USD; England only; 7-day-rolling average

🔵 RSV shows mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
🟣 COVID-19 is stable at baseline levels

Graph titled “Positive tests for flu.” Data from: 23 December 2025 – 21 December 2025. Source: SGSS, England only; 7-day rolling average.

🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest #flu, #COVID-19 and #RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu has decreased but continues to circulate at medium levels

Did you know? A 'floppy' yellow or orange flame on gas appliances instead of a crisp blue one could be a sign of carbon monoxide

Cooking with gas this #Christmas?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly.

Installing a CO alarm will help protect you and your family.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/18/how-to-protect-your-home-and-family-from-the-invisible-danger-of-carbon-monoxide/

Professor Dr Lars Schaade and Professor Susan Hopkins in a line-up with their colleagues from their organisations.

Professor Dr Lars Schaade and Professor Susan Hopkins singing the MOU.

This week, we welcomed colleagues from the @rki.de, Germany’s public health institute, to UKHSA.

UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Susan Hopkins also met with President of the RKI, Professor Dr Lars Schaade, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

"Norovirus lab reports in England by week.” The image shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 14 December 2025, with a dotted line representing the 5-season average.

🆕 Norovirus data: Activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels.
🔗 Full report: https://bit.ly/495ibNv
📆 Due to the Christmas period the next report will be published on Thursday 8 January 2026.

Dr Suzanna McDonald is back with #UKHSAVirusWatch in 60 seconds. ⏱️

Now is your very last chance to get your flu vaccine in order to protect yourself ahead of the festive period.

If you're eligible, book now through your GP practice or online.
🔗 nhs.uk/fluvaccine