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.

A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has prompted some alarm and led to fears of a possible new pandemic

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

A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming some hospitals in China and prompting people to wear face masks again. Videos on social media appear to show medical units struggling with large numbers of patients. Parents were seen holding sick children amid long queues in paediatric care late at night.

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.

WHO said, ‘Human metapneumovirus, hMPV is not a new virus’, adding that it generally spreads in winter and spring.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is a reported spike in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, and they are monitoring it closely.