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

News that northern China is seeing a surge of the respiratory illness called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), bringing an uptick in hospitalizations, is sparking a bit of anxious déjà vu on social media.

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.

China’s winter illness season is less severe compared to the year before, according to data from its health authority. But the proliferation of a long-standing though little-known pathogen called human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been raising alarm both at home and in other countries.

Human Metapneumovirus HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms to severe infections like pneumonia Learn about its causes symptoms and treatments to protect yourself and your fami

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 most common symptoms associated with HMPV are nasal congestion, cough, fever and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. In the U.S., the virus typically spreads between the winter and the spring seasons, the CDC indicated on its website.

In late December, an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China triggered widespread concerns, especially as social media videos of crowded hospitals fueled speculation about a potential global health crisis.

The virus, first identified in 2001, is one of a handful of respiratory illnesses spreading this winter. This is what we know about the current outbreak. View on euronews

High levels of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in parts of China. The news has sparked some concern, no doubt reminding people of a certain virus that erupted from this part of the world almost exactly five years ago.