Health officials in Ireland are on high alert as a new virus spreads, urging residents to stay home if unwell to protect vulnerable populations
Dublin: Health officials in Ireland are sounding the alarm. A new virus, HMPV, is making waves after cases spiked in the UK. This virus was previously linked to outbreaks in China.
Earlier this month, China had to take emergency steps. Hospitals were packed, and many patients were seen wearing masks. But the Chinese government downplayed the situation, saying it wasn’t as bad as last year.
Now, the virus has crossed over to the UK. Reports show that HMPV cases are rising there. The latest data reveals a positivity rate of 4.9%, especially among older adults.
In Ireland, they’ve been keeping an eye on HMPV. However, monitoring stopped last October due to worries about testing accuracy. So, it’s hard to say how many cases are here.
HMPV causes symptoms like cough, fever, and a runny nose. It spreads easily through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. It’s been around since 2001, usually peaking in winter.
Right now, flu cases are also high in Ireland. The Health Service Executive (HSE) warns that flu is circulating widely. They expect it to continue for weeks.
The HSE advises everyone feeling sick to stay home. They stress the importance of protecting vulnerable people. Simple actions like washing hands and covering sneezes can help.
There’s still time for eligible folks to get the flu vaccine. The HSE encourages everyone to get vaccinated to shield themselves and their loved ones from severe illness.
