An uptick of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases in China has raised concerns over another pandemic, which appear to be unfounded

Seven people there have contracted the virus as of Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research.Chinese health officials have not confirmed that HMPV is what is driving hospitalizations in the country,

Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia notes that almost every child contracts HMPV by five years of age, with reinfections occurring throughout life. “HMPV typically causes cold-like symptoms that recover by themselves within 2 to 5 days. Severe cases are rare but can occur in vulnerable groups,” he says.