MDTravelHealth
Log inSign up
Flag of St. Helena

St. Helena

Destination photograph: St. Helena
ISS019E014918 Saint Helena Island (cropped).jpg · ISS Crew Expedition 19 Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center Derivative work including removal of noise, grading.: Julian Herzog · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Displayed at a reduced size; no image edits.
AI-generated landscape illustration inspired by St. Helena
AI-generated illustration inspired by St. Helena.

St. Helena: recent disease outbreaks

Sources checked

Recent reports

Seasonal influenza — islandwide vaccination campaign announced (Nov 2026)

The St Helena Health and Social Care Portfolio announced a selective influenza (flu) vaccination campaign to begin in November 2026, with drop‑in clinics and prioritization of older adults, children and people with chronic conditions; the campaign was framed as protection ahead of the island’s December–January peak season and increased travel from the Northern Hemisphere. St Helena Government announcement (8 Oct 2026). This matters to visitors because influenza strains circulating in the Northern Hemisphere can be introduced to the island during the Northern Hemisphere winter; travelers at increased risk should consider vaccination before travel and check vaccine availability on St Helena and in their home country. St Helena: registration page (1 Jul 2026).

Measles (MMR) catch‑up and vaccine stock deadlines — adult catch‑up ongoing, MMR stock expires 30 Sep 2026

St Helena reported an adult MMR catch‑up campaign with more than 3,300 MMR doses given since April 2026 and warned that donated MMR vaccine stock expires on 30 September 2026, urging residents to complete doses or register before the deadline. St Helena Government notice (12 Aug 2026). The U.S. CDC’s travel guidance for Saint Helena also highlights measles vaccination for international travelers (including the recommendation for an early MMR dose for infants 6–11 months when travelling). CDC travel page: Saint Helena. Why it matters: measles outbreaks and travel‑associated case clusters have been widespread globally in 2026; travelers who lack documented immunity or vaccination should complete recommended MMR doses well before travel or plan to discuss vaccination with a health provider.

Foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) — import prohibition and biosecurity measures affecting arrivals from South Africa

To protect livestock, St Helena’s Executive Council introduced a prohibition on importing live cloven‑hoofed animals, fresh meat and certain meat and dairy products originating from, produced in, or repacked in South Africa; the prohibition was implemented in March 2026 and remains in effect "until further notice." St Helena Government press release (6 Mar 2026). The Government’s traveller guidance specifies practical pre‑arrival measures (for example: declare meat or animal products to Customs, footwear may be sprayed on arrival, and avoid visits to farms before travel). FMD: advice to travellers (SHG leaflet). Why it matters to travelers: passengers and freight arriving from affected countries should not carry prohibited animal products, should expect biosecurity checks at ports and airports, and should follow declaration and disinfection instructions to avoid seizure or penalties and to protect local agriculture (the measures target animal‑to‑animal disease introduction, not routine human illness).

MV Hondius Andes‑hantavirus cluster (April–June 2026) — international cruise‑ship cluster now closed

A cluster of Andes‑virus hantavirus infections linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius in April–May 2026 involved passengers who disembarked at several South Atlantic islands; international public‑health agencies coordinated contact tracing and quarantine. The World Health Organization declared the MV Hondius outbreak over on 2 July 2026. WHO Disease Outbreak News (2 Jul 2026). St Helena’s health authority reported no suspected or confirmed cases on the island and later concluded the local Major Incident once isolation and monitoring periods ended. St Helena Government: conclusion of major incident (8 Jun 2026). Why it matters: the event was an internationally managed cruise‑ship cluster with contact tracing; there is no evidence of ongoing transmission on St Helena, but travelers who were aboard the MV Hondius or who had close contact with known cases during the spring should check with their public‑health authorities for any individual follow‑up that may still be in place.

These items reflect official reporting and public‑health actions available at the time of research. Conditions and control measures can change; before travel check St Helena Government public notices, national travel‑health guidance (for example CDC and UK travel pages), and airline or cruise operator instructions for the latest entry, vaccination and biosecurity requirements.