Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing

Beijing, Jan 13: The rate of infections from the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a flu-like virus, is on the decline in northern China, a health official announced on Sunday. The update comes amid rising international concerns over reports of a surge in cases and potential pandemic fears.

“HMPV is not a new virus; it has been present among humans for several decades,” clarified Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for disease control and prevention, during a press briefing held by the National health commission.

First detected in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV has seen an increase in reported cases in recent years, which Wang attributed to advancements in diagnostic methods.

“The positive detection rate for HMPV is currently fluctuating, but in northern provinces, it is on a downward trend. Additionally, cases among patients aged 14 and below are also starting to decline,” Wang reported.

The announcement comes in response to concerns sparked by circulating images of hospitals overwhelmed with masked patients, raising alarm about the virus's spread.

Chinese health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that improved detection, rather than a significant surge in infections, is behind the reported rise in cases.