China is experiencing a surge in infections of a respiratory virus, leading to public concerns about an outbreak. The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

As cases of the HMPV virus continue to increase in the U.S. and in China, here's what you need to know about the virus.

Authorities in Beijing have downplayed surge in cases, which comes five years after world was first alerted to emergence of Covid-19

In late December, an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China triggered widespread concerns, especially as social media videos of crowded hospitals fueled speculation about a potential global health crisis.

The virus, first identified in 2001, is one of a handful of respiratory illnesses spreading this winter. This is what we know about the current outbreak. View on euronews