The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official said, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic.

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.

She said the spread of respiratory diseases would not be as serious as that in the previous winter. The World Health Organization said it has not received reports of unusual outbr

The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official has said, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus,

"The human metapneumovirus is not a new virus, and has been with humans for at least several decades," said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during a press briefing by China’s National Health Commission.

Chinese health officials give update on virus infection rate - The update comes amid international concern over a potential pandemic