London: China new virus: New research shows that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has already spread in the UK during Christmas. This virus is present in the coastal areas of Britain. Let us tell you that HMPV is the disease that is currently wreaking havoc in China. In media reports, it is being described as worse than Covid 19.

A recent study by the government tracking Covid-19 variant illnesses revealed that the same HMPV illness behind the outbreak in China is indeed present on British shores, reports the Daily Star. Citing the period between 23 and 29 December last year, the gov.uk website wrote, “Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased slightly to 4.5%, with the highest positivity in children under 5 years of age at 10.0%.

4 alarming symptoms

Human metapneumovirus is believed to be a respiratory virus that infects the body with symptoms similar to flu, common cold and Covid. HMPV can be mild, with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue. It has an incubation period of three to six days, which means you can be infected during this period without showing symptoms.

What is the situation in China right now

Several social media posts have highlighted a growing number of children in hospitals complaining of fever, cough and sore throat, with the numbers peaking in recent days. Chinese officials are testing a new system for monitoring pneumonia cases, raising concerns about a possible surge in "white lung" cases, a term often used for severe pneumonia. There have been rumours that China has declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the virus, but no formal statement has been issued by the Chinese government or the World Health Organisation.