🚨 We're delighted to invite applications to a #PhD studentship in real-time infectious disease modelling focusing on the early detection of pandemics with @lshtm.bsky.social @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social & @ukhsa.bsky.social
✍️ Apply by 23 March
Link 🔽
www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/fees-a...
1/ A child in a lab coat holding a stick with a sweet on it. Text reads: ‘Spark curiosity this British Science Week’. Download free teaching resources at e-bug.eu’
2/ A close-up of hands glowing green against a dark blue background. Text reads: ‘what if every surface showed glowing fingerprints? Download free teaching resources at e-bug.eu’
3/ A close-up of a blue and white capsule with nothing inside it. Text reads: ‘what if antibiotics stopped working? Download free teaching resources at e-bug.eu’
4/ A blue background with white text reading ‘at e-bug.eu every week is science week’
Science is everywhere: in our bodies, our food, our classrooms.
This #BritishScienceWeek, meet e-Bug: UKHSA's free health education programme, which helps teachers bring infection science to life from early years to KS3.
Curious? Find out more at 🔗 https://www.e-bug.eu/british-science-week
Street-level view of Manchester Central with its large arched roof and clock, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. A yellow tram passes in front under a cloudy sky
The UKHSA Conference returns to Manchester on 22 and 23 September 2026.
Join colleagues from across the health security community for cutting-edge science, innovative practice and inspiring discussion. 🧪🐝
Registration opens soon - hope to see you there! https://www.conference.ukhsa.gov.uk
An infographic from the UK Health Security Agency titled “Positive tests (%) for flu.” It features a line chart showing the rolling 7‑day flu test positivity rate in England from February 2025 to 22 February 2026. A label at the bottom reads: “Data from: 24 February 2025 – 22 February 2026.” The source is SGSS, England only.
An infographic from the UK Health Security Agency titled “Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19.” It includes a line chart showing the rolling 7‑day positivity rate in England from February 2025 to 22 February 2026. A label at the bottom reads: “Data from: 24 February 2025 – 22 February 2026.” The source is USD, England only, with the data described as a rolling 7‑day positivity rate.
An infographic from the UK Health Security Agency titled “Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV.” It shows a line chart tracking the weekly percentage of positive RSV tests in England from February 2025 to 22 February 2026. A label at the bottom reads: “Data from: 24 February 2025 – 22 February 2026.” The source is the Respiratory DataMart System, England only.
An infographic from the UK Health Security Agency titled “Virus watch,” summarising hospitalisations and positive test percentages for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV for the week 16 to 22 February 2026. A footer reads: “Data from: 16 February to 22 February 2026.” The source is the National flu and COVID‑19 surveillance report.
🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at baseline levels
🟣 COVID-19 activity was stable and is circulating at baseline levels
🔵 RSV activity decreased and is circulating at baseline levels
UKHSA Chief Executive Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty, President of PHAC Nancy Hamzawi alongside the British and Canadian flags
Last week, Professor Chris Whitty and Professor Susan Hopkins met with the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Nancy Hamzawi, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This MOU will further strengthen our relationship and help us achieve our joint health security objectives.
Graphic with a red background. Text reads: ‘Did you know?’ Below it, large white text reads: ‘Measles, mumps and chickenpox can all lead to a serious condition called encephalitis, which can damage the brain.’ In the bottom right corner, there is a white outline illustration of a brain with lightning bolts above it and a warning symbol below.
Measles, mumps, and chickenpox are 3 viruses that can cause encephalitis, an uncommon but serious swelling of the brain.
The MMRV vaccine protects you against all-3 of these viruses, as well as rubella. 🔴🧠
#Red4WED #WorldEncephalitisDay
It’sa me, Andi! 💊🕹️
Think visiting the Antibiotic Kingdom when you have a cold will make you peachy?
Wrong, antibiotics don’t work against viral infections like colds and flu. 🍑❌
A UK Health Security Agency graphic titled “Positive tests (%) for flu.” It shows a green line chart tracking the 7‑day rolling percentage of positive flu tests in England from February 2025 to February 2026. The bottom label reads: “Data from: 17 February 2025 – 15 February 2026.” A note in the corner states the source is SGSS, England only.
A UK Health Security Agency chart titled “Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19.” It shows a purple line representing the 7‑day rolling percentage of positive COVID‑19 tests in England from February 2025 to February 2026. A label below states: “Data from: 17 February 2025 – 15 February 2026.” The source is noted as SGSS, England only, rolling 7‑day positivity rate.
A UK Health Security Agency chart titled “Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV.” It shows a blue line representing the weekly percentage of positive RSV tests in England from February 2025 to February 2026. A label below reads: “Data from: 17 February 2025 – 15 February 2026.” The source is listed as the Respiratory DataMart System, England only.
🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity decreased and is circulating at baseline levels for each of the viruses.
If you want even more detail, read the full report: https://bit.ly/4aOdfgS
An image of a child wrapped in cotton wool, playing in a colourful ball pit. The text reads: “Wrap your children up with the best protection – vaccinations. Stay strong. Get vaccinated.”
🆕 We’re excited to announce the launch of a new government campaign urging parents and guardians to get their little ones vaccinated to protect against serious illnesses such as measles.
🔗 nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
#StayStrongGetVaccinated
Virus watch FLU — 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 — 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
📄👀 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...
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
🟣 COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and continues to circulate at baseline levels
🔵 RSV 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
🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
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.
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).
🆕 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
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.'
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
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.’
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 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
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
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.
⚠️ 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
Dashboard titled ‘Virus watch’ with sections for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV. Text on image reads: Flu – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 2.19 per 100,000, down from 3.35 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 5.4% positivity, down from 7.1% positivity last week.’ COVID‑19 – Mixed trends, at baseline levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 0.77 per 100,000, down from 0.89 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 2% positivity, down from 2.2% positivity last week.’ RSV – Decreased, at low levels Hospitalisations: ‘This week 1.68 per 100,000, down from 2.07 per 100,000 last week.’ Positive tests: ‘This week 4.8% positivity, down from 6% positivity last week.’ ‘Data from: 26 January to 1 February 2026.’ ‘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...
Line graph titled ‘Positive tests (%) for COVID‑19’. Text on image reads: ‘Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: USD; England only; Rolling 7‑day positivity rate.’
Line graph titled ‘Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV’. Text on image reads: ‘Data from: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026.’ ‘Source: Respiratory Datamart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only.’
🟣 COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and continues to circulate at baseline levels
🔵 RSV 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.’”
🆕 #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.
🟢 Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels
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.”
📰🆕 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.
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).
🆕 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
🔗 Read the health protection report here: www.gov.uk/government/p...
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.”
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.
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.
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 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
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.
