China is currently battling an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is now reportedly spreading to other countries including India and Malaysia.
Health professionals are closely monitoring the situation due to a significant surge in cases. The Indian state of Karnataka has issued advice for people showing symptoms of HMPV to avoid public places and wear masks in crowded areas.
This comes after three reported cases of the respiratory illness, reports Wales Online. Earlier this week, an eight-month-old boy and a three-month-old girl tested positive in Bengaluru, while a two-month-old from Rajasthan is receiving treatment for the illness in Ahmedabad.
Although not the same as Covid, the virus has seen a reported increase in the UK, raising concerns that the NHS could become even more overwhelmed.
Last week, data revealed that the rate doubled in the UK within a fortnight. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the percentage of respiratory problems in hospital testing positive for this potentially lethal illness stood at 4.53 per cent in the week leading up to December 23 – the most recent statistics available.
First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, the virus is a common worldwide illness belonging to the same family as RSV – short for respiratory syncytial virus. Symptoms can include a cold, cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
However, it can develop into serious complications, leaving patients severely ill and potentially near death.
The UKHSA currently ranks HMPV activity as “medium”; however, even though the uptick is nominal compared to the start of December, the health authorities are on high alert.
Adding to the NHS’s burdens are “exceptionally high” levels of flu and other seasonal ailments overloading the system.
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