UK health officials break silence on 'mystery' virus amid spike of ...

UK health officials have addressed the increase in cases of the virus formerly known as a "mystery", with UK incidents on the rise. China had enacted emergency protocols earlier this month as cases of the HMPV virus began to surge in its northern areas.

The latest update from the UK Health Security Agency indicates a resurgence in Human metapneumovirus cases. The update highlighted: "Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%."

Additionally, it was reported that approximately 7,826 samples were examined, and this news arrives shortly after Britons were encouraged to "consider wearing a face mask" to prevent a further uptick in cases.

Nonetheless, Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, reassured the Daily Star by stating that the levels are "in line" with expectations for the season.

Dr Watson elaborated: "hMPV is a common respiratory infection in winter, and we typically see activity reaching a peak at this time of year. Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common cold. Our surveillance systems in GP surgeries and hospitals indicate that levels are in line with what we would expect to see. Most people have had hMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives."

Dr Watson told the publication that, as with any respiratory viruses, you can take steps such as regularly washing your hands and covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then disposing of it. If you're experiencing symptoms like a high temperature, cough, aches and fatigue, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are more vulnerable.

He added: "There are many viruses in circulation at the moment, including flu - if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and you need to go out, our advice continues to be that you should consider wearing a face mask."

This advice comes in contrast to the situation in China, where children seemed to be disproportionately affected by the illness, with social media posts showing overcrowded hospitals and children displaying Covid-like symptoms. The images and videos from China, showing people wearing masks in hospitals, bear an eerie resemblance to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019.

As the number of cases in China peaked, with symptoms including fever, cough, and sore throat, studies suggested that the "mysterious illness" had already reached the UK, which has now been confirmed.