Health experts issue warning over HMPV as cases of virus double in under a month
by Susie Beever, Sonia Sharma · ChronicleLiveA warning has been issued over a rise in HMPV after cases of the virus doubled in the UK in just two weeks.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show 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.
In contrast, the percentage was at 2.42% in the week leading up to December 9 earlier in the month. The virus, full name human metapneumovirus, is already causing problems in China, while a surge in cases has also been recorded in Malaysia, India and Kazakhstan.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data has also shown a double in the amount of US cases between the beginning and end of December, with 300 positive test results in the final week of the month. While the CDC said it was "monitoring" cases in China, it said they do not believe they were "currently a cause for concern in the US".
HMPV symptoms are often confused with those of a common cold or flu, and include coughing, a fever and a blocked or runny nose. Cases typically rise in the winter when the weather is colder, reports the Mirror.
While not as dangerous as Covid, HMPV can kill very young children or those who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients undergoing chemo. The virus was described as "common part of the winter cold causing viruses in most countries with seasonality".
Dr Andrew Catchpole, a scientist at hVIVO, said: "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."
People in Britain have been urged to practice regular hand washing and wear masks in, or avoid crowded places altogether, where possible. Those eligible are also urged to get their winter flu vaccines if they haven't done so already.
Dr Catchpole added: "Whilst HMPV does mutate and change over time with new strains emerging, it is not a virus that we consider to have pandemic potential. This is because the changes in HMPV are gradual and based on previously circulating strains."
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community