Posts have flooded social media warning that a new pandemic could be starting in China. Here's why scientists think those fears might be overblown.

Analysis - Five years on from the first news of Covid-19, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms. However, it can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularl

HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is currently surging in China, with children and the elderly said to be most at risk from the virus

Authorities in Beijing have downplayed surge in cases, which comes five years after world was first alerted to emergence of Covid-19

As much as we'd love to kick a new year off with a fresh slate and clean bill of health, sadly the reality is often very different: it seems like everyone is coming down with a cold or some virus or another right now.

High levels of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in parts of China. The news has sparked some concern, no doubt reminding people of a certain virus that erupted from this part of the world almost exactly five years ago.