India has reported three positive cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as China announces a current decline in cases in its northern regions. One case was detected in Gujarat, another in Assam, and the third in Puducherry.

India confirmed its first cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in children, with a total of seven cases reported as of Tuesday. The cases were reported in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Tamil Nadu

Officials in India have confirmed the country's first seven cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, which is reportedly surging in neighboring China.

HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries, says the Union Health Ministry statement

China is experiencing a surge in infections of a respiratory virus, leading to public concerns about an outbreak. The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

In recent weeks, worries grew when images surfaced showing hospitals with masked patients, prompting speculation about a new wave of respiratory diseases.

A Chinese health official says the rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus in northern China is declining amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. Katherine Ward has this story and more in Health Matters for Jan.