Ireland is on edge as the UK grapples with a surge in what used to be a baffling virus that earlier hit China. The East Asian nation faced an emergency this month when the virus, now known as HMPV, swiftly swept through its northern regions.
Alarm bells rang after pictures posted online showed jam-packed hospital areas with patients in masks, although Chinese officials have played it down, saying the respiratory infections were "less severe" and not as widespread as last year. As China's case counts rocketed, the illness has also landed in the UK.
A fresh bulletin from the UK Health and Security Agency disclosed a climb in Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases, noting: "Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9%, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3%."
reporting it in October 2024 as the tests weren't reliable enough. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre announced: "As of 14/10/2024 HPSC has ceased reporting on detections of hMPV from virological surveillance of sentinel and non-sentinel specimens. This is due to an increased risk of false positive results from the routine respiratory panel."
As of now, the exact number of HMPV cases in Ireland is a bit of a mystery. However, with the bug making waves over in the UK, it's a fair bet that it's doing the rounds here too, reports
the Irish Mirror.
HMPV is known for causing symptoms similar to a common cold, such as coughing, fever, and a stuffy or runny nose, while some people might also experience a rash, find themselves gasping for air, or end up with a scratchy throat. The virus spreads through droplets flung into the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching things that are crawling with germs.
HMPV isn't a new virus – the first human case popped up back in 2001 in the Netherlands. It usually hits its stride in the winter months, and Ireland is no stranger to its visits.
In other news, the flu is currently strutting its stuff at "high levels" across Ireland with no sign of abating soon. Just last week, the HSE said: "Flu is circulating in the community, and it will continue to circulate over the coming weeks. Influenza A(H1)pdm09 is the predominant virus circulating, with influenza A(H3) and B viruses also detected at lower levels."
Every winter brings a spike in infections like the seasonal flu and norovirus, warns the HSE. While these illnesses are often mild for many, they can pose serious risks to the very young, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
The HSE is calling on everyone to take steps to minimise infection spread, particularly to protect vulnerable adults and children, and to ease the strain on healthcare services.
The HSE has issued a plea for anyone feeling under the
weather to stay home and shared some straightforward tips to keep everyone safe: "There are a few simple things we can do to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable in our communities. You should stay home when you are unwell, avoid people with symptoms, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes."
Additionally, there's still an opportunity for eligible individuals to get their flu jab at local GPs and pharmacies. The HSE is urging those who qualify to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to safeguard themselves and their loved ones: "The HSE is urging all those eligible to get their winter vaccines to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19. You can get the nasal flu vaccine for your child from your GP (Doctor) or pharmacist, it is free for all children aged 2-17 years."
