As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

As China continues to monitor an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), here's what you need to know about the illness.

A handful of cases of the Human Metapneumovirus have been confirmed in India but officials say there's no cause for alarm, according to multiple reports.

A rise in cases of human metapneumovirus in China is stoking fears of a new health crisis, though authorities and experts say prospects for a sequel to the COVID-19 pandemic are remote. The big picture: HMPV is similar to respiratory syncytial virus,

With another case of the Human Metapneumovirus or hMPV reported in Mumbai, the total tally is now eight cases in India`. The cases have been reported in Nagpur, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Salem.