Rise in ‘mystery’ virus cases in UK amid health warnings and new mask advice
UK health bosses have been put on high alert as cases of a virus originally dubbed the ‘mystery’ illness from China have seen a dramatic increase over the past week. Earlier this month, China put in place emergency measures after the virus, now identified as HMPV, began to surge in several northern provinces.
On social media, harrowing images depicted hospitals overfilled with sick children affected by the severe disease, which displayed symptoms reminiscent of Covid-19.
Local news outlets broadcast people donning masks inside hospital facilities, with journalists noting a chilling resemblance to the early days of the Covid pandemic back in 2019, as reported by the Daily Star. As symptoms such as fever, coughs, and sore throats peaked in China, research indicated that this ‘mysterious illness’ had reached UK shores – and indeed, it had.
The UK’s Health and Security Agency has acknowledged a rise in Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases. The latest figures reveal: “Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%.”
This update comes on the heels of advice to Britons suggesting they “consider wearing a face mask” to prevent a further rise in cases, reports the Mirror.
The report also clarifies that around 7,826 specimens were tested in total. And Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, also raised concerns on X (formerly Twitter ) about the impact winter diseases have on the NHS.
In her statement, she said: “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 A&E attendances and ambulance calls, they are also caring for really sick people who have been admitted and need specialist care.
“While I was visiting A&E 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.”
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