China’s outbreak of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is “not unusual,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a statement, the WHO called elevated levels of hMPV cases and similar viruses in the northern hemisphere “expected at this time of year” and “not unusual.”

This typically is the time of year when colds, cases of flu, and other respiratory viruses seem to infect the masses at a much higher rate. However, social media outlets and other more mainstream media sources have reported on hospitals being overwhelmed and a state of emergency could be imminent.

However, the WHO’s statement discredited those reports, saying: “WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns. “Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.”

“HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring,” the statement said. “China’s reported levels of acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, are within the expected range for the winter season with no unusual outbreak patterns reported.”

According to a report by Newsweek, data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention at the end of 2024 suggested that rates of HMPV are rising in line with other similar illnesses, and behind influenza. “While some cases can be hospitalized with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days,” the WHO statement further stated.

HMPV Outbreak In China

“WHO recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable,” the statement said. “People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest. People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.”

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously told Newsweek that reports of HMPV in China were “not currently a cause for concern in the U.S.”