Chinese state media has reported a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, although officials in the United States have neither confirmed reports of an outbreak nor said it was a cause for concern.

Newsweek The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emailed for comment.

Why it matters

Several viruses are currently spreading in the United States, including norovirus and respiratory illnesses such as influenza, coronavirus and RSV. Any viral outbreak poses a risk to public health, particularly to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to serious illness if infected.

What you should know

Reuters reported last week that there had been a surge in HMPV cases in China, particularly among people under 14 living in northern provinces.

Symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, stuffy or runny nose, risk of inflammation, wheezing, shortness of breath and skin rashes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anyone can become ill after being infected with the virus, but the risk of serious illness is higher in people who are younger than five years old or older than 65 years old.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the virus can also cause complications such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or an ear infection. It is relatively common in children and causes up to 12 percent of childhood respiratory illnesses. The cases are typically quite mild.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases are most common in late winter and spring.

How long does it take to recover from HMPV?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, milder cases of HMPV usually only last a few days or a week. However, in some cases recovery may take longer. The CDC notes that the estimated incubation period is three to six days and the duration of illness depends on the severity.

The CDC offers people several ways to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching their faces with unwashed hands, and avoiding contact with sick people.

There is no vaccine against HMPV.

How HMPV compares to COVID, bronchitis

COVID-19 is typically defined by a dry cough, but symptoms can vary. While HMPV is more common in children, there is no age group particularly affected by COVID-19, although older populations in general are at higher risk for severe disease.

Bronchitis, which can be caused by HMPV, is an inflammation of the bronchial lining. Symptoms include thickened mucus, which can be a short-term or chronic condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Is China going into a lockdown for HMPV?

According to Reuters, China has increased surveillance of respiratory diseases. However, there have been no reports of lockdowns like those introduced during the 2020 global pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What people say

Dr. Atul Goel, an official at India’s Directorate General of Health Services, according to Indian news agency NDTV: “There was news of a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes colds, and in the very old and very young it can cause flu-like symptoms.”

What happens next

The U.S. continues to struggle with high rates of respiratory illnesses, which tend to become more prevalent in the colder months.

The CDC’s respiratory disease forecast assumes the peak of the COVID-19 season could occur later this season. Influenza typically peaks between December and February, while the peak of RSV season varies by region.