The UK’s health organisations are currently on high alert as a virus that started in China and was previously dubbed a ‘mystery’ is rapidly increasing its presence across the nation. Earlier in the month, China had to take urgent action as the HMPV virus escalated drastically, particularly in the country’s northern parts, overwhelming hospitals mainly with younger patients.
Images on social media show paediatric wards filled with children suffering from intense illness, which echoes the symptoms seen in early Covid-19 cases, resembling the situation back in 2019, as described by the Daily Star.
With a rise of fevers, coughs, and sore throats noted in China, new evidence suggests this “mysterious illness” has made its way to the UK. The UK Health Security Agency has acknowledged a spike in Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases stating: “Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%.”
It also said that approximately 7,826 specimens were tested altogether, following advisories released just weeks ago suggesting British residents “consider wearing a face mask” to prevent further case escalations.
Additionally, Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, expressed her concern about the impact these winter illnesses have on NHS through a statement on Twitter, reports Surrey Live.
She penned: “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.”
She added “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.”