The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), is a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.
HMPV, which comes with severe complications like pneumonia in infants, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.
The virus was first reported in 2001 in The Netherlands, and has since surged across northern Chinese provinces during the winter season.
This comes barely five years after the world saw the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus which killed nearly seven million people globally.
Hospitals in China are experiencing rise in patients with symptoms of the virus, as health authorities in the country are implementing emergency measures to contain the virus.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the virus as a global health emergency, the rise in HMPV cases has prompted authorities to boost monitoring systems.
Mao Ning, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Friday that the disease is less severe than COVID-19 virus.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” Ning said.
“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
Unlike COVID-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV yet, its treatment involves managing symptoms.
