A recent increase in cases of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China has been misrepresented on social media as evidence of a new virus spreading in the country with some posts claiming it prompted China to declare a state of emergency.

Cases of the Human Metapneumovirus, HMPV, have significantly increased across northern Chinese provinces in recent days, mainly among children. The country’s centre for disease control has warned people to take precautions with health and hygiene,

The human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, but should Americans be concerned? Here's what to know about HMPV symptoms and more.

News that northern China is seeing a surge of the respiratory illness called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), bringing an uptick in hospitalizations, is sparking a bit of anxious déjà vu on social media.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases are surging in China and people are worried about another pandemic. Should they be? HMPV is a upper respiratory tract

The most common symptoms associated with HMPV are nasal congestion, cough, fever and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. In the U.S., the virus typically spreads between the winter and the spring seasons, the CDC indicated on its website.

An expert has warned that the new virus currently spreading in China could reach "other parts of the world." The human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has seen a recent surge in cases across China, has prompted the country’s Centers for Disease Control to call for additional measures to curb its spread.

The increase in cases of this pathogen in China resurrects old fears. Experts include it in the package of known winter viruses. China has done it again. The announcement of an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has raised alarms,