The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that it had maintained close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) on respiratory diseases, when asked about the rising cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

The WHO has downplayed concerns over a rise in HMPV cases, saying outbreaks are normal during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

A top Civil Affairs Ministry official stressed new reforms must be rolled out over the next decade to be effective.

Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other seasonal viruses are on the rise across the northern hemisphere in early 2025, according to the World Health Organization. While news reports and social media videos have caused concern about a potential HMPV outbreak in China,

China's central bank said on Friday it has suspended treasury bond purchases, triggering a jump in yields and spurring speculation that the move was aimed at defending a falling currency.

China has detected the new mutated strain of the mpox virus, as the pathogen spreads to more geographies after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in Africa a new global health emergency last year.

Human metapneumovirus is not a new virus and has been circulating in humans for more than 60 years, Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson says

Chinese government prioritizes health of citizens and foreigners, monitoring HMPV cases closely with WHO, according to foreign ministry.

Even though lung and related cancer deaths decreased in the world's 10 most populous countries from 1990 to 2019, these positive statistics do not address trends in mortality linked to tobacco use, air pollution and asbestos exposure.

Following a surge in cases overseas, find out more about HMPV including symptoms, how it spreads, UK cases and should we be worried.

Experts have detailed the unique symptoms of HMPV as one in 10 children in hospital with infection test positive