While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old.

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

Seven people there have contracted the virus as of Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research.Chinese health officials have not confirmed that HMPV is what is driving hospitalizations in the country,