Five years after the COVID-19 outbreak, another viral infection caused by **Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)** has erupted in China. The virus has so far been reported mainly in northern China, though there are also several cases from Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangdong province and other areas.
Doctors report that what it primarily does is cause flu-like symptoms including cough and cold among children aged 14 years and below. As per *BBC*, Chinese social media had already posted about the initial reports of this outbreak before they were confirmed through state media.
According to Global Times and Reuters, the Chinese health authorities have noticed an increase in respiratory diseases since mid-December within the affected regions. China’s Ministry of Health has stated that although less compared to last year, investigations by the National Disease Control and Prevention agency are ongoing.
As such surrounding countries have increased their cautionary measures. Indonesia advises its people to put on masks and observe cleanliness while India announces three instances of HMPV, two from Karnataka and one in Pune. Indian health officials among them Dr. Atul Goel Director of General Health Services however urged for calmness saying enough measures were put in place for safety purposes hence nothing alarming.
This will be followed closely by other countries as developments unfold to contain further spread.