China reports a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases this winter, sparking regional concern. Improved testing capabilities have highlighted the

News that northern China is seeing a surge of the respiratory illness called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), bringing an uptick in hospitalizations, is sparking a bit of anxious déjà vu on social media.

While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old.

Human metapneumovirus is spreading in China, and the world is closely monitoring the situation in the country. People are wondering about the effectiveness of antibiotics against HMPV

Five years on from the first news of COVID, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns. Chinese authorities first issued warnings about human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in 2023, but media reports indicate cases may be increasing again during China’s winter season.

In late December, an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China triggered widespread concerns, especially as social media videos of crowded hospitals fueled speculation about a potential global health crisis.

Human metapneumovirus, HMPV, is a respiratory illness on the rise in China. A part of India is also under Covid rules amid fears of the virus spreading.