The human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, but should Americans be concerned? Here's what to know about HMPV symptoms and more.

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.

The Chinese cases are reported to be infections with human metapneumovirus, known to doctors as HMPV. Here is what we know: What is HMPV?

China’s winter illness season is less severe compared to the year before, according to data from its health authority. But the proliferation of a long-standing though little-known pathogen called human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been raising alarm both at home and in other countries.

HMPV is a virus that will lead to a mild upper respiratory tract infection—practically indistinguishable from flu

The virus, first identified in 2001, is one of a handful of respiratory illnesses spreading this winter. This is what we know about the current outbreak. View on euronews

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.