A surge in cases of a 'mystery' virus originating from China has triggered a high alert among UK health authorities. The virus, now known as the HMPV, has been causing a spike in hospitalizations, particularly among young patients in China, with symptoms resembling COVID-19. The UK Health and Security Agency has confirmed a rise in Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases, urging residents to consider wearing face masks to curb further spread.
UK health authorities are on high alert as cases of a 'mystery' virus originating from China have seen a significant surge in the past week. Earlier this month, China was forced to implement emergency measures as outbreaks of what is now known as the HMPV virus began to skyrocket in its northern regions. Hospitals were reportedly overwhelmed with young patients, with social media images showing wards filled with children suffering from severe illness similar to Covid symptoms.
The scenes, captured by local news and journalists, eerily mirrored the early days of the Covid crisis in 2019. With the rise in cases presenting fevers, coughs, and sore throats in China, research suggested that the 'mysterious illness' had reached UK shores, reports Surrey Live. The UK Health and Security Agency confirms that Human metapneumovirus incidences are on the rise again, with their latest report noting: 'Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%.' Approximately 7,826 specimens were tested in total, following advisories released just weeks ago suggesting British residents 'consider wearing a face mask' to prevent further case escalations. Amanda Pritchard, NHS England's chief executive, has expressed her concern via Twitter about the strain these winter ailments place on NHS services. She wrote: 'It is difficult to put into words just how tough it is for our frontline staff at the moment. We are really worried about the toll that flu and other viruses are taking on our patients and on services across the NHS. Not only are staff managing high levels of AandE attendances and ambulance calls, they are also caring for really sick people who have been admitted and need specialist care.' She further remarked: 'While I was visiting AandE this week, despite such acute pressures, the compassion and skill displayed by staff was incredible - I know that this is the case up and down the country. We have plans in place to manage extra demand – we use critical incidents to manage and monitor pressures, we have more beds than we did last year and we have new ways of working which ensure people can get cared for at home. But the public can play their part too - please do seek help when you need it. We would rather see you sooner when viruses are easier to treat, than later when it is more difficult.
HMPV Human Metapneumovirus Virus Outbreak UK Health China Health Crisis
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