What you need to know about the ‘mystery virus’ as HMPV cases surge in UK

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), once dubbed the “mystery virus”, continue to rise in the UK, according to the latest health figures.

UK health bosses are on high alert as the latest data shows people over the age of 80 most at risk. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) data showed yesterday that the country has seen an uptick of HMPV cases, rising to 4.9 per cent.

The highest positivity was seen in those aged 80 years and over, at 7.3 per cent. HMPV was once dubbed the “mystery” illness after China recently reported a spike in cases and reports of overcrowded hospitals sparked concerns about another pandemic, just five years after Covid-19 spread round the globe.

Earlier this month, UK health bosses confirmed the seasonal surge had also hit the UK. Data showed the percentage of people who tested positive for HMPV after visiting their GP with respiratory symptoms increased from 2.24 per cent to 4.53 per cent in December 2024.