A new virus is spreading in China called HMPV, the human metapneumovirus. Although images of Chinese people in masks are trending, sparking fears of a new pandemic, the Chinese government said that this is a normal winter occurrence.
The CDC concurs. The agency says that their data shows “HMPV to be most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates. HMPV, RSV, and influenza can circulate simultaneously during the respiratory virus season.”
Chinese Spokesperson Mao Ning said that in China, the HMPV “appears to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China.”
HMPV has infected fourteen children in China, sparking fears that this outbreak would cause wider panic than Covid-19 because of its ability to infect children.
