The UK Health Security Agency said the percentage of respiratory problems in hospital testing positive for the potentially deadly illness was at 4.53% in the seven days up to December 23 - the most recent statistics available. The real figure however is likely higher.
Doctors and public health officials globally are raising the alarm over increasing cases of the 'hidden symptoms' virus HMPV, as it emerges that the rate in the UK has doubled within a fortnight. The UK Health Security Agency data reveals that 4.53% of respiratory issues tested in hospitals were positive for the potentially lethal illness in the week leading up to December 23 - the latest statistics available.
The virus, also known as human metapneumovirus, is already wreaking havoc in China, while a spike in cases has been noted in Malaysia, India and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows a doubling of US cases from the start to the end of December, with 300 positive tests in the final week of the month.
Dr Andrew Catchpole, a scientist at hVIVO, noted: "It is not usual to be a major concern for high numbers of hospitalizations, but it is unclear just how high the numbers are or if issues are arising purely due to coinciding with high flu and Covid levels."
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