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 has circulated in humans for decades.

In China, reports of HMPV infections have indeed been rising in recent weeks in the more northerly regions. But so have reports of all the other respiratory pathogens including seasonal flu, rhinovirus and RSV.

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

Reports of human metapneumovirus cases surging in northern China during the winter season have been circulating on news outlets internationally. The country had seen an increase, especially in children,

An uptick of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases in China has raised concerns over another pandemic, which appear to be unfounded

The WHO has downplayed concerns over a rise in HMPV cases, saying outbreaks are normal during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

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

A leading GP has reassured Britons that there is no cause for alarm over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak, despite recent concerns. Speaking to GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp explained that HMPV has been "circulating for at least 15 years" and is similar to "a common cold".