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.

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

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.

Symptoms of HMPV are similar to that of the common cold and can include a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath and a rash. It can also cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

WHO said, ‘Human metapneumovirus, hMPV is not a new virus’, adding that it generally spreads in winter and spring.