According to reports, cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, have hit northern China. Health experts state that the virus can increase risks of serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. The disease is said to affect mostly elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people. It can be transmitted from an infected individual to another through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with infected individuals.

It was purportedly first detected in the Netherlands in 2001 and it has reportedly existed since then. It is considered to be of the same family as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

However, the country’s Centre for Disease Control has denied reports that hospitals in the country are overburdened with cases of the disease. They also denied reports that the current outbreak is as bad as COVID-19. Additionally, they warned individuals to take all essential health and hygiene precautions to prevent the disease from spreading.