Northern China Reports Increased Respiratory Viral Infections

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) today announced that the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increase in respiratory viral infections this season in northern China, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Since December 2024, human metapneumovirus has affected all age groups in China. According to the ECDC, it usually causes mild to moderate respiratory illness, but the infection can sometimes be severe in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

As of January 8, 2025, the ECDC 'considers that the current epidemiological situation in China reflects a seasonal rise in respiratory infections caused by common respiratory pathogens and does not pose any specific concern for the EU/EEA (Europe).

According to the WHO, countries including India and the United Kingdom have also reported seasonal rise in cases of hMPV. Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections.

Currently, there is no vaccine for hMPV, but annual flu shots and RSV vaccines are available at most pharmacies in the U.S.