UK: British told to wear mask as ‘mystery’ virus cases surge
The United Kingdom is on high alert as the number of cases of a "mysterious" virus originating from China surged last week.
While China has implemented measures similar to those used during the coronavirus pandemic, cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are also rising in the UK. Chinese hospitals are overwhelmed with hospitalizations linked to the virus, with children being the most affected group.
According to a recent update from the UK's Health and Security Agency, the positivity rate for HMPV has significantly increased.
"Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%," the report states.
The update also revealed that a total of 7,826 people have been tested for the virus so far. Local authorities are urging the public to return to mask-wearing to prevent another pandemic.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, expressed concern on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "It is difficult to put into words just how tough it is for our frontline staff at the moment. We are really worried about the toll that flu and other viruses are taking on our patients and on services across the NHS."
(QG - Source: Daily Star / Picture: © Unsplash)