A virus surging in China could reach “other parts of the world”, threatening to place more stress on the UK’s already overwhelmed health services this winter, an expert has told Express.co.uk.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have soared in China in recent weeks, sparking a warning from the nation’s Centre for Disease Control to take extra precautions to help limit the spread.
The respiratory disease causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.
With a mix of illnesses like flu, Covid-19, and norovirus already threatening to put extra stress on health services during this busy period, the last thing the NHS needs is another virus added into the mix.
But Sanjaya Senanayake, an Infectious Diseases Physician at the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology, warned that this is entirely possible.
He told Express.co.uk: “It does cause a problem, and it is quite likely, as China is seeing a lot of it, that with all the global travel that we see, particularly at this time of year, it may be taken to other parts of the world.”
There is no need to be concerned about this virus becoming the next pandemic, particularly given it was not passed onto humans from animals, as most experts believe COVID-19.
But he urged China to stay vigilant and watch for indicators of a new disease that may be spreading.
Prof Senanayake said: “Throughout this outbreak China needs to keep gathering the data or to see which viruses and which bacteria are dominating, or whether something new is appearing.
“If they do see something unusual they need to let the World Health Organisation know ASAP.”
But HMPV is nothing new. The virus was first discovered in 2001, but antibody studies suggest that it has likely existed for much longer.
Jacqueline Stephens, Associate Professor in Public Health at Australia’s Flinders University, told Express.co.uk that now “new technology means we can test much more easily and track this virus.”
She added while surging cases in the northern hemisphere are “concerning”, it is typical of the normal seasonal increase in coughs and colds we see during winter months.”
People who were exposed to the virus in childhood may already have a certain degree of immunity.
But that does not mean people can’t get reinfected. For most, this will feel like nothing more than a cold.
