For out-of-this-world news, sign up for the Spaced Out newsletter
Thank you for subscribing!
For out-of-this-world news, sign up for the Spaced Out newsletter
We have more newsletters
A top NHS doctor has warned of the eight symptoms the new mystery “Covid-like” pneumonia virus coming out of China could cause – five more than previously reported.
The strange, as yet unidentified virus has been causing chaos in China for weeks, with the world on high alert over fears a new pandemic could be on the way. Although it so far only seems to impact children, it saw officials in neighbouring countries such as India, who are wary of another virus spreading through their population following the outbreak of the coronavirus in 2019, readying themselves for action.
And while Beijing hospitals are now overrun after a massive increase in hospitalisations, it has now been detected in Europe for the first time, with medical officials in both Denmark and the Netherlands confirming that the virus has taken hold there, with the latter confirming that the number of children – whom it mainly impacts – aged between five and 14 to get it has risen to 130 per 100,000 in just one week.
READ MORE: Mystery Covid-like virus runs riot in Europe as experts warn Brits to 'mask up'
For the latest news and updates on illnesses from across the globe, click here.
That is more than double the normal amount of Winter flu-like illnesses for this time of year on average – Denmark has also reported an increase of three times the amount, from 168 to 541 in the space of five weeks.
And while it had been reported that just three symptoms were key to spotting the virus, speaking exclusively to the Daily Star, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal expert witness Hana Patel told of the eight symptoms to look out for.
They are:
A very high temperature
Sweating and shivering
Rapid heartbeat
Sharp, stabbing chest pain
Quick, shallow breaths
Breathlessness at rest
A dry, irritable cough
Delirium or confusion
She said: “The WHO are looking into the number of increased cases of pneumonia, and why this might be in China.
-
Mystery 'Covid-like' China virus hits Europe as three key symptoms revealed
"Pneumonia begins with either a bacterial, viral or fungal lung infection. This causes the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid. It can occur in one lung or both. Pneumonia can make people ill very quickly and can be fatal, so it is very important to seek advice quickly if you think you may have it.
-
Mystery China virus now 'Covid-like' as health experts panic worldwide
“It is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection, and most people get better in two to four weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.
“The name 'white lung' is given because of the way the lung damage shows up on x-rays and scans. In the winter months, it is usual to see a rise in the number and types of respiratory infections, however the World Health Organisation is looking into the number of increased cases of pneumonia, and why this might be in China.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
- NHS
- World Health Organisation
- space
- China
- Exclusives
- Coronavirus
Source: Read Full Article