Health officials in northern China report a decline in the rate of infections caused by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which shares similarities with the flu. According to Wang Liping from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV is not a new virus and has been present in humans for at least several decades.
She stated during a press conference held by the National Health Commission of China that the increase in cases was a result of improved detection methods.
“The rate of positive cases in northern provinces is currently declining, and the rate of positive cases among patients under the age of 14 has also started to decrease,” said Wang, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
HMPV causes flu-like or cold symptoms, including fever and cough. Symptoms often resolve on their own but can lead to lower respiratory tract infections in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Experts noted that, unlike COVID-19, HMPV has been present for years and there is a certain level of immunity to it. Most children are infected with this virus before the age of five.