HMPV cases jump in Britain – 5 symptoms and the two groups at risk

HMPV cases have jumped in Britain with two groups at risk of catching the illness.

Cases of HMPV have doubled, reports GB News, with latest figures showing that as many as one in 20 cases of respiratory infections could be due to the infection.

HMPV stands for human metapneumovirus and experts have urged China to disclose information on the outbreak there.

Chinese authorities have acknowledged a surge in cases of HMPV during China’s winter season, reports The Sun.

Five symptoms of the virus which is similar to a cold are coughing, wheezing, runny nose, a sore throat and a fever.

Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford University, said: “Human metapneumovirus virus is a common respiratory virus which was first identified almost a quarter of a century ago by Dutch scientists.

“It is one of the many viruses which circulate in the winter and add to the winter pressures on the NHS.

“The reports of respiratory infections in China in the past few days appear to be attributed to both influenza and this human meta pneumovirus, which is rather similar to the situation in the UK this week.”

Dr Sanjaya Senanayake from the Australian National University said it was “vital for China to share its data on this outbreak in a timely manner”.

In recent weeks, the UK has seen a rise in HMPV cases with children under five being one of the main groups affected. The other group likely to be impacted is the elderly,

Professor Jaya Dantas from Curtin University said: “In young children, the elderly and those who are immune compromised, HMPV can lead to severe cases and may lead to pneumonia.

But it is important to note that experts have said HMPV is not like Covid-19, and BBC reports that the illness has been around for decades with most children having been infected by their fifth birthday.

Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing a more serious illness.

The virus can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in those most at risk – babies and the elderly.