Health officials in Ireland are closely monitoring the situation after a rise in cases of HMPV - the 'mystery' virus previously detected in China - was reported in the UK. The virus, also known as Human metapneumovirus, causes cold-like symptoms and spreads easily.
Health officials in the Republic of Ireland are on high alert following a spike in cases of HMPV , a virus previously known as the 'mystery virus', in the United Kingdom. This comes after China reported a surge in cases earlier this month, prompting emergency measures due to the rapid spread across its northern provinces. Images circulating online showed overcrowded hospital waiting rooms and wards, with many patients wearing masks, raising concerns.
However, Beijing downplayed the severity of the situation, stating that respiratory infections were 'less severe' and 'smaller in scale' compared to the previous year.Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Health and Security Agency reported a rise in HMPV cases, also known as Human metapneumovirus. The latest update revealed a positivity rate of 4.9%, with the highest positivity observed in individuals aged 80 years and over at 7.3%. In Ireland, HMPV had been monitored as part of the surveillance system but was discontinued in October 2024 due to concerns about the accuracy of testing. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) explained that the decision was made because routine respiratory panels presented an increased risk of false positive results.Therefore, the current number of HMPV cases in Ireland remains unclear. However, given the virus's presence in the UK, it is likely circulating in Ireland as well. HMPV causes cold-like symptoms, including cough, fever, a blocked or runny nose, and in some cases, a rash, shortness of breath, or a sore throat. It spreads through airborne droplets released when coughing or sneezing, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. HMPV is not a novel virus, with the first recorded human infection reported in 2001 in the Netherlands. It typically circulates during winter months in many countries, including Ireland. Concurrently, confirmed cases of influenza, which shares similar symptoms with HMPV, are currently at 'high levels' in Ireland, with the virus anticipated to continue circulating in the coming weeks. Last week, the HSE issued an update stating that influenza A(H1)pdm09 is the predominant circulating virus, with influenza A(H3) and B viruses detected at lower levels. The HSE urged everyone feeling unwell to stay home and reiterated the importance of simple preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with individuals displaying symptoms. The HSE also emphasized the significance of vaccination, encouraging all eligible individuals to receive their flu vaccine at participating GPs and pharmacies. The nasal flu vaccine is available for free to all children aged 2-17 years.
HMPV Human Metapneumovirus Virus China UK Ireland Health Officials Cold-Like Symptoms Flu Vaccination HSE
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