China is seeing a fast increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that affects the lungs and can show symptoms similar to the flu.
This rise in cases is worrying for public health, especially for people who are more at risk, such as young kids, older adults, and those with health problems that weaken their immune system.
HMPV spreads when people cough or sneeze, or when they touch things that have the virus on them. It can cause fever, coughing, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, and feeling very tired.
In serious cases, it can lead to lung infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which may need treatment from a doctor.
