Five years after the first cases of COVID-19, reports of hMPV, an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV has circulated in humans for decades.

Plenty of viruses are having their strongest season for years. But experts have urged calm about HMPV, which is not a new disease — even if you've never heard about it.

In China, reports of HMPV infections have indeed been rising in recent weeks in the more northerly regions. But so have reports of all the other respiratory pathogens including seasonal flu, rhinovirus and RSV.

Human Metapneumovirus cases surge in China. Here's what doctors want you to know about HMPV symptoms, risks, and why you shouldn't panic about this virus.

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.

Cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, a contagious virus that can lead to respiratory disease, is reportedly spiking in northern China. Infectious disease experts say risk to the U.S. is low.