The UK reported a rise in cases of HMPV, the once ‘mystery’ virus that recently affected China
Health officials in the Republic are on high alert after the UK reported a spike in cases of the former ‘mystery’ virus that recently affected China. Earlier this month, China had to implement emergency measures after the virus, later identified as HMPV, rapidly spread across its northern provinces.
Concerns were raised after images shared online appeared to show overcrowded hospital waiting rooms and wards, with many patients wearing masks. However Beijing downplayed the severity of the situation, claiming that respiratory infections were “less severe” and “smaller in scale” compared to the previous year.
HMPV is not a new virus to humans, with the first case of a human infection reported in 2001 in the Netherlands. It tends to circulate during the winter in many countries, including Ireland.
Meanwhile, confirmed cases of the flu, which has similar symptoms to HMPV, are currently at “high levels” in Ireland, with the virus expected to continue circulating in the coming weeks.
Ireland placed on high alert for βmysteryβ virus as cases soar and βstay at homeβ warning issued https://t.co/Ir8jwal0kW pic.twitter.com/ZXZ3crskqf
— End Time Headlines (@EndTimeHeadline) January 28, 2025
