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.

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

BEIJING: China is in the midst of a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, a common virus which can cause respiratory illness and affects children and the elderly more seriously.