Surging cases of a virus called the Human metapneumovirus or HMPV in northern China have prompted some online alarm due to its similarities with the COVID-19 outbreak.

The HMPV is a respiratory virus which cause symptoms similar to that of the common cold or influenza.  It was identified by a research group in the Netherlands in 2001, and prior to that was believed to have likely spread among humans for many years.  As it stands, hospitals in China are overflowing and emergency measures are in place to address it.

For more on what is known about the virus is Prof Jantjie Taljaard, Infectious Diseases specialist, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

Surging cases of a virus called the Human metapneumovirus or HMPV in northern China have prompted some online alarm due to its similarities with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The HMPV is a respiratory virus which cause symptoms similar to that of the common cold or influenza. &nbsp;It was identified by a research group in the Netherlands in 2001, and prior to that was believed to have likely spread among humans for many years. &nbsp;As it stands, hospitals in China are overflowing and emergency measures are in place to address it.
For more on what is known about the virus is Prof Jantjie Taljaard, Infectious Diseases specialist, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

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