The UK Health Security Agency said there was a slight upward trend in HMPV cases across the country with positive lab test results reaching 4.5 per cent as of January 3, although the figure is believed to be higher.
Health experts have issued an urgent warning over HMPV's hidden symptoms as the rate of cases doubled in the UK in just two weeks.
More severe symptoms include inflammation of the airways of the lungs and inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lungs in young children and infants as well as pneumonia.
UK health officials said the percentage of positive cases in the UK was at 2.42 per cent in the week leading up to December 9.
Typical symptoms of a common cold include: Sneezing, blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, hoarse voice, cough and feeling tired or unwell.
