The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring reports of the spike in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.
HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is common but underdiagnosed because of its similarities to the common cold, according to the CDC.
Cases of the virus in the United States are in the “pre-pandemic” stage and are not a “cause for concern” yet, but there is a significant surge. north china, especially for children aged 14 and under, according to media reports in Beijing.
Chinese government officials say the reported spike is consistent with seasonal illness and appears to be worse than in other years.
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The CDC says cases of the virus are at “pre-epidemic” levels in the US and “not a cause for concern at this time.” (CDC)
“Respiratory diseases tend to peak during winter,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.
Dr. Eileen Schneideran epidemiologist in the CDC's Division of Viral Diseases, said that HMPV “is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children under 5 years of age.”
The virus can also be a cause for concern in “the elderly and immunocompromised patients.”
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HMPV has symptoms similar to the flu and other respiratory viruses. (iStock)
Schneider said the presentation of HMPV is usually mild and can include respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and nasal congestion.
“Symptoms are often indistinguishable from infections with other common respiratory viruses, such as fever and respiratory syncytial virus,” he said.
An art teacher paints a picture to raise awareness against the spread of the HMPV virus in Mumbai, India, on January 6, 2025. (Indranil Aditya/Nur Photo via Getty Images)
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There is no vaccine or cure for the virus at this time, the CDC said, but the infection usually improves with rest, drinking water and over-the-counter medications.