ieExplains: What do we need to know about HMPV?

However, this is not a new virus and was discovered around turn of the century in the Netherlands. It also circulates during the winter across Europe, including Ireland. It is in the same family of viruses as another common illness RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

It is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms. Like other respiratory conditions, it can lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia — particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.

What is happening in China?

Cases have been surging in northern China, particularly among children, according to local authorities. 

The country’s centre for disease control (CDC) has warned people to take precautions with health and hygiene, but has also pushed back against online claims of overwhelmed hospitals and fears of another covid-like pandemic.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said on Friday.

The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year

The apparent increase in cases is likely partly due to new technology more easily detecting and identifying HMPV, experts told the Guardian.

They also stressed that, unlike covid, this is a virus which has been around for some time, so there is a level of immunity in the global population from past infections.

What should you do if you catch this virus?

Niamh Lynch, a consultant in paediatrics at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, took to Instagram to re-assure people in light of media reports on HMPV.

“I see this every day of the week, every week of the winter because it’s nothing new,” she said. “We deal with human metapneumovirus all the time.” 

She said the symptoms can be managed “much the same as any other horrible illness”.

She said treatment can include "pain relief, fluids, plenty of rest and contacting with your doctor if you are concerned about yourself or your child”.

How can you reduce your chances of getting ill?

There are no vaccines against this virus. However, precautions which people take against catching a cold or developing the flu can also protect against catching HMPV.

Experts have urged people to stay home if they feel ill, as well as to practice the cough and sneeze etiquette everyone learned so well during the pandemic. Hand washing is another protection against the spread of any respiratory disease.

The HSE in Cork and Kerry has already re-introduced compulsory mask-wearing across all HSE sites to combat the upsurge of influenza, covid, and RSV.

• Additional reporting from The Guardian.