As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

As China continues to monitor an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), here's what you need to know about the illness.

Recently, there has been a lot of attention on the increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Some are concerned about the safety of travelling to China and there are even claims about “unknown virus in China” circling on the internet.

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.

As cases of the HMPV virus continue to increase in the U.S. and in China, here's what you need to know about the virus.

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

Experts say the disease is likely not going to be the next pandemic and the worry is a result of heightened wariness for respiratory illness in a post-Covid world. HMPV is a respiratory virus that regularly circulates during cold and flu season.

Plenty of viruses are having their strongest season for years. But experts have urged calm about HMPV, which is not a new disease — even if you've never heard about it.

While we're already dealing with surges of COVID-19, the flu and RSV (plus norovirus, of course), we can add HMPV to the mix. HMPV, short for human metapneumovirus, is seeing big upticks in China and India right now.