An epidemic of human metapneumovirus has been recorded in China.

Axar.az reports that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued this information.

"This is the result of analyzing respiratory samples taken from hospitals across the country between December 23 and December 29. The results indicate that acute respiratory infections, including influenza, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus, are actively spreading within China," the report stated.

It was also reported that cases of metapneumovirus infection are increasing among children under the age of 14. The trend of rising infections is particularly noticeable in the northern provinces of the country.

Doctors have noted that metapneumovirus is accompanied by damage to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It usually manifests as an acute respiratory infection with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and fever.