Cases of a virus that caused concern when it appeared to be spreading widely in parts of China have now risen in the UK. The infection has been identified as Human Metapneumo Virus (HMPV).
The virus, which has Covid and flu-like symptoms, caused a excess demand for healthcare in China and has been found in other countries across Asia.
According to the latest information from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of HMPV have increased in the UK. The latest report reads: “Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%.”
The report also said 7,826 specimens were tested in total, and comes just weeks after Brits were told to “consider wearing a face mask” to stop cases rising. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, raised concerns on X about the impact winter diseases have on the NHS.
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 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.”
HMPV is a respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and measles. HMPV was first identified in 2001 and is now recognized as a common cause of respiratory infections worldwide, affecting people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
HMPV causes symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses, such as:
Although HMPV often causes mild illness, it can lead to significant respiratory distress in vulnerable populations, making awareness and early diagnosis important. It is diagnosed through a lab test and there is no cure – with doctors recommending rest and fluids as well as painkillers.