(VOVWORLD) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring reports of a spike in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and is in regular contact with international partners. These reports are not currently a cause for concern in the US, the CDC said in a statement.
HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is common but underdiagnosed due to its similarities to the common cold, according to the CDC.
There is a large spike in HMPV in northern China, especially in children 14 and under, local media reported. Chinese government officials said the reported spike coincides with seasonal illness and seems to be less severe than in other years.