UK Health Security Agency
Coverage of UK Health Security Agency in the Nexus archive.
- British drought raises fears of food shortages as farmers warn of shrinking harvests
British farmers warn drought conditions in England and Wales could cause food shortages, with record-low rainfall and heat waves damaging crops and reducing water availability. The National Farmers’ Union highlights poor wheat and oat yields, increased production costs, and the need for improved water infrastructure to address climate change impacts.
- Excess deaths caused by heatwaves in England ‘almost double’ so far this year
The UK Health Security Agency reports 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during May and June this year, nearly double the number from the UK heatwaves in June to August 2025. This marks a significant increase in excess deaths caused by heatwaves compared to the previous year.
- The Latest: Fire crews in southwest France battle massive blaze as they face extreme temperatures
Firefighters in southwest France are battling a massive blaze four times the size of Paris amid extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C, displacing 220,000 people. Similar wildfires and heatwaves in Spain and the UK have led to widespread evacuations, with Spain preparing for its fourth heatwave of the summer.
- Health worker monitored for Ebola in London hospital after working in DRC
A UK resident who was evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is being monitored in a London hospital after potential exposure to the Ebola virus. The worker had been treating patients during an outbreak in the DRC, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency.
- Two children die from measles as England data shows 100 new infections
Two children in England have died from measles, with over 100 new cases reported in the last fortnight. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlighted London, the east of England, and the West Midlands as regions with the highest case numbers and urged families to vaccinate children.
- UK weather: Met Office forecasts increased likelihood of a hot summer
The Met Office forecasts an increased likelihood of a hot summer in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of the country. People in Dover, Kent, are seen sunbathing.
- Met Office warns of increased likelihood of summer heatwave
The Met Office has warned of an increased likelihood of a summer heatwave in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of the country.
- Exceptionally early heat wave shatters records and brings deaths in Europe
An exceptionally early heat wave in May 2026 shattered temperature records across Western Europe, causing at least eight deaths, including drownings and sports-related incidents. The UK recorded its hottest May day at 34.8°C, triggering health alerts, while fires and disrupted transportation exacerbated the crisis.
- Lyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a year
Lyme disease cases in England increased by 22% in 2025 to 1,168 confirmed cases compared to 959 in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Pharmaceutical companies are developing new vaccines and anti-tick treatments in response to growing concerns about the spread of the tick-borne illness.
- Health agency names two schools affected by Berkshire meningitis outbreak
An outbreak of meningitis in Berkshire has caused the death of a student and affected two schools, Reading Blue Coat school and Highdown secondary school and sixth form centre, where patients are receiving treatment. Close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precaution. The UK Health Security Agency is handling the situation.
- One dead and two more ill after meningitis outbreak in Berkshire
One person has died and two more are being treated after a meningitis outbreak in Berkshire, following a recent outbreak in Kent that killed two and left over a dozen others hospitalized. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed new cases in Reading, including a student who died. The outbreaks are linked to specific locations, including a Canterbury nightclub.
- British paratroopers land on Tristan da Cunha for suspected hantavirus case
British paratroopers landed on Tristan da Cunha to supply medical aid and oxygen due to a suspected hantavirus case. A British national from the cruise ship MV Hondius is suspected of having the virus. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the case.
- Third Briton has suspected hantavirus linked to cruise ship outbreak
A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, with two previous cases confirmed among British nationals in hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa. The new case is on the island of Tristan da Cunha. Health officials are monitoring the situation.
- Two Britons self-isolating after returning to UK from hantavirus-hit ship, say officials
Two British individuals who were onboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have returned to the UK and are self-isolating after a deadly hantavirus outbreak was detected on the ship. They left the ship at St Helena in late April and are not reporting symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring their condition.
- Three meningitis B cases confirmed in Dorset as young people offered vaccines
Three cases of meningitis B have been confirmed in Dorset, UK, between March 20 and April 15. The UK Health Security Agency reports successful treatment of affected individuals and is offering vaccines to young people as a precaution. Antibiotics are also being administered to prevent spread.