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,

As China continues to monitor an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), here's what you need to know about the illness.

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.

A Congolese health official administers a mpox vaccination to a Congolese Red Cross worker, a key step in efforts to contain an outbreak that has spread from its epicentre, at a hospital in Goma, North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo October 5, 2024. PHOTO/REUTERS

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

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

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