A virus that's not well known to the public is spiking in China. CDC officials said HMPV is not a cause for concern here, nor is it a new virus.

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

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

Not many people had heard of human metapneumovirus, or HPMV, until a surge of recent cases in China made headlines.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to bolster monitoring systems.

Cases are climbing in China, but the situation is very different from when COVID-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old.

China is experiencing a surge in infections of a respiratory virus, leading to public concerns about an outbreak. The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

Texas Department of State Health Services data showed less than 50 HMPV-positive cases each week in December across the state.

The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official said Sunday, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus,