HMPV: Virus cases on the rise in UK as doctors issue ‘mask up’ warning

The rate of positive tests for a virus that swept hospitals in China is on the rise in the England, according to official figures.

Latest UK Health Security Agency data show one in 20 (5 per cent) of hospital swabs for respiratory infections in England came back positive for human metaphneumovirus (HMPV) in the week ending January 19.

It’s the highest recorded rate of the virus so far this winter season, and above the 4.18 per cent of cases recorded at the start of 2024 - but still well below the 10 per cent recorded in 2021.

UKHSA, which does not publish case numbers, said the level of HMPV in England is currently “medium” based on the almost 8,000 samples tested. Doctors have urged people with symptoms of a respiratory illness to wear a face mask when out in public.

The age group with the highest proportion of HMPV cases was those aged 80 and over, soaring to 7.3 per cent and well above pre-Christmas levels. Cases have also risen to about 7 per cent in children up to the age of five.

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Source: The Independent, 28 January 2025