HMPV Surge Escalates to China, Hong Kong and England: Hospitals Overwhelmed by Rising Cases
Beijing/London/Hong Kong (The Uttam Hindu): The outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is rapidly escalating, causing emergency measures to be declared in several states. The virus is being deemed more dangerous than COVID-19 and it has led to a renewed emphasis on wearing masks.
The situation in China has worsened with thousands of people now infected. The virus is spreading rapidly among the elderly and children, resulting in long queues of patients outside hospitals. Child wards are particularly overwhelmed with cases. The virus is spreading quickly in Northern China and airports are seeing heavy crowds. According to virology expert Dr. Lin Jiazhu, HMPV is now causing severe cases and deaths, potentially due to a mutation of the virus and weakened immunity in the population. This virus has begun spreading from China to other countries, raising global concern.
Flu outbreak in England
In England, the flu has spread rapidly, leading to a continuous rise in the number of flu patients in hospitals. All patients are suffering from respiratory illnesses and the number of cases has quadrupled in the past month. The NHS has issued a serious warning regarding the flu. On Christmas Day, 4,102 flu patients were admitted and by December 29, this number had risen to 5,074. The average number of patients in hospitals remains at 4,469 putting immense pressure on healthcare institutions. This rapidly increasing outbreak has caused widespread concern among the public with calls for effective measures from health authorities.
HMPV reaches Hong Kong
The HMPV virus has now spread to Hong Kong, leading to long lines of respiratory patients outside local hospitals. The most affected groups are children and the elderly, who are facing serious health issues due to the virus. As pressure mounts on hospitals, health officials are urging immediate action to contain the spread of HMPV and ensure that affected individuals receive proper care. The public is being advised to exercise caution and follow health protocols to control the infection and maintain the stability of Hong Kong's healthcare system.
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an RNA virus that spreads similarly to the flu. Its symptoms are similar to COVID-19, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Children under two years old, the elderly and those with weakened immunity are most at risk. Additionally, individuals with asthma or lung diseases are more susceptible to rapid infection. The outbreak of HMPV is putting significant strain on healthcare institutions, making it challenging for affected individuals to receive timely and proper care. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions and adhere to health guidelines to prevent the virus's spread.
