Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia notes that almost every child contracts HMPV by five years of age, with reinfections occurring throughout life. “HMPV typically causes cold-like symptoms that recover by themselves within 2 to 5 days. Severe cases are rare but can occur in vulnerable groups,” he says.

The rise of the infection in China and reports of overwhelmed hospitals has prompted concerns about another pandemic similar to Covid-19, but experts say the risk is low

Key symptoms include a cough, fever, nasal congestion and fatigue, with some also experiencing a rash, shortness of breath or a sore throat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While not part of standard healthcare tests, swab and PCR tests can diagnose HMPV.

India TV’s claims that HMPV is a mysterious virus, or speculation that a new virus may have arisen out of China, are false.

Northern provinces in China have been hit with a surge of HMPV infections in the last three weeks. This has forced the centre for disease control (CDC) to warn the public to wear masks and avoid crowds. But claims of overwhelmed hospitals and fears of another pandemic that have been spreading on social media appear unsubstantiated.

Cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, a contagious virus that can lead to respiratory disease, is reportedly spiking in northern China. Infectious disease experts say risk to the U.S. is low.

While news reports and social media videos have caused concern about a potential HMPV outbreak in China, experts from the WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies say the rise is not currently a cause for concern and within the normal range for the season.