HMPV warning issued as virus cases double in UK in under a month

Doctors and public health officials globally are raising the alarm over increasing cases of the 'hidden symptoms' virus HMPV, as it emerges that the rate in the UK has doubled within a fortnight. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data reveals that 4.53% of respiratory issues tested in hospitals were positive for the potentially lethal illness in the week leading up to December 23 - the latest statistics available.

However, the actual figure is likely to be higher. This contrasts with a percentage of 2.42% in the week before December 9 earlier in the month.

The virus, also known as human metapneumovirus, is already wreaking havoc in China, while a spike in cases has been noted in Malaysia, India and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows a doubling of US cases from the start to the end of December, with 300 positive tests in the final week of the month.

While the CDC stated it was "monitoring" cases in China, it did not believe they were "currently a cause for concern in the US". Symptoms of HMPV, often mistaken for a common cold or flu, include coughing, fever and a blocked or runny nose.

Cases usually increase during the colder winter months. , reports the Mirror.

Although less severe than coronavirus>Covid, HMPV can be fatal for young children and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This virus is typically a common component of the winter cold-causing viruses in most countries, exhibiting seasonal patterns.

Dr Andrew Catchpole, a scientist at hVIVO, noted: "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."

To mitigate the risk, the public has been advised to maintain good hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded areas, and avoid such places whenever possible. Eligible individuals have also been encouraged to get their winter flu vaccinations if they haven't already done so.

According to Dr Catchpole, "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."