"Scary images showing the true extent of the 'mysterious' HMPV virus affecting Chinese children."

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Parents were warned to 'avoid crowded places' after a baby had 'high fever for days' due to the virus - many more children are battling the virus in hospital beds and wards.

Stunning images have emerged revealing the true extent of the devastation caused by the 'mysterious' HMPV virus on Chinese children. Parents of sick children warned other parents on social media to keep their children at home and "avoid crowded places."

Disturbing images shared from a major hospital in Beijing show babies and young people receiving IV treatment in the waiting room. The HMPV (human metapneumovirus) virus has also reached the UK during a time when the NHS is under pressure from a quadruple outbreak and the threat of the 'worst' flu season to date.

Parents of bed-bound children warned on social media that the virus is "no joke." A child exhibited severe flu-like symptoms and "high fever for days."

One parent said: "We went to the supermarket and [my son] came back with HMPV, please do not take your child to crowded places."

A worried mother shared: "We went to a shopping mall during the holiday and tested positive for HMPV."

Another said: "This virus is no joke, poor baby of mine. He had high fever for days but is recovering after treatment. Be careful when going out with your child."

Images published today by the Daily Star show rows of sick children being treated with IVs in what appears to be a temporary ward. The heartbreaking video shows mothers comforting their crying little ones.

A new outbreak is expected in the Asian country as preparations for the Chinese New Year at the end of the month continue. The celebrations, which will bring people together with friends and family on January 29, will create a perfect environment for the virus to spread.

In a chilling development reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic, schools in Wuhan, synonymous with the start of the coronavirus, were closed to prevent the spread of HMPV after 30 students fell ill.

While Chinese officials assure that the spread of HMPV is merely a 'seasonal' illness, there are concerns that the seriousness of cases is being 'underestimated' as the disease begins to show its effects in the UK.

However, the NHS is already facing a 'quadruple outbreak' that threatens the immune systems of Britons, and hospitals are likely battling the 'worst flu season ever seen.' There are now concerns that HMPV could put further "pressure" on the NHS.

To monitor and combat this 'new' virus, China implemented emergency measures as cases began to rise in northern provinces. Images of children flooding hospitals with Covid-like symptoms on social media indicate that this terrible illness targets children.

The virus is believed to be the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that affects the body with symptoms similar to flu, cold, and Covid.

Like the three aforementioned illnesses, HMPV can present with mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. It has an incubation period of three to six days, meaning you can carry the infection without showing symptoms during this time.

However, HMPV can pose a significant threat to people in more severe cases. The respiratory virus can lead to various complications, including pneumonia, which causes breathing problems due to fluid or inflammation filling the air sacs in the lungs.