Human Metapneumovirus: China faces HMPV outbreak – should other countries be alarmed?

It has been more than three years since China and numerous other countries noted the depleting strength of the COVID pandemic. But it has been just three days into 2025 and China is already noticing the spread of a mysterious virus similar to COVID.

The virus, called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is causing panic across the globe. China is reporting rising cases of the virus, especially among those under 14 years of age in northern provinces, according to Reuters.

HMPV symptoms are almost similar to that of COVID. Cases have only been reported in China so far. But there is a need for close monitoring. In order to differentiate symptoms of HMPV from COVID, specific laboratories are available.

Precautionary measures such as putting on masks and avoiding close contact can reduce the risk of contracting Human Metapneumovirus, among other similar respiratory viruses. Nonetheless, 2015 isn’t the first time that HMPV cases have been reported.