As China continues to monitor an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), here's what you need to know about the illness.

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

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.

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.

Five years on from the first news of COVID, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

Experts have warned the public that a virus surging in China could make its way overseas as it is 'likely to spread', with Brits now warned to brace for the HMPV virus

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

Doctors say it is vital China shares infection data as India ramps up monitoring - China, Malaysia and Kazakhstan are among the other countries that have reported cases of the virus

HMPV is attracting a lot of interest because it is not a household name, but it was discovered in 2001, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said in Geneva.