China said the rate of HMPV infections in the northern part of the couuntry is declining. It further noted that HMPV is not new, but the cases surged in recent years owing to better detection methods

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

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.

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.