Mandatory
What Is HMPV? New Virus Outbreak in China Explained

Nicholas Tan
Fri, January 3, 2025 at 5:28 PM EST
2 min read

Many are concerned about HMPV, formally known as the human metapneumovirus, after reports of a new virus outbreak in China. Various social media posts warn that Chinese hospitals are being swarmed with patients who have contracted HMPV and other viruses, many of whom are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms. Discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, HMPV is a seasonal virus that typically causes lung infections. Here’s what we know so far about the upsurge of HMPV infections in China in January 2025.

What is the new HMPV viral outbreak in China?

The new HMPV viral outbreak in China has been acknowledged by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the state-run China Daily newspaper.

Kan Biao, a representative for the agency, downplayed the severity of the reported outbreak, stating in a news conference that a rise in infections for HMPV, influenza, rhinovirus, and mycoplasma pneumonia is expected during the winter. Kan says the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are “at a low level.”

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