The World Health Organization has confirmed that acute respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are spreading in China. However, a WHO spokesperson said there was no cause for concern.
The virus causes symptoms such as fever and cough. It can become serious in vulnerable people, such as infants and the elderly.
Chinese media have reported an increase in cases of HMPV virus infection in the country since late last year. Infections have also been confirmed in India and Indonesia.
The WHO referred to infections in China in a report released Tuesday on respiratory infections in the northern hemisphere.
-According to data published by the country, the number of acute respiratory infections has increased in recent weeks, specifies the WHO. The HMPV virus is one of the viruses increasingly detected, particularly in the northern provinces of China.
The report also states that the increase in respiratory pathogen detections is “within the expected range for this time of year during the northern hemisphere winter.” The WHO adds that it will continue to monitor the situation in cooperation with Chinese authorities.
