A common respiratory virus, HMPV is known to spike every winter and spring, health officials said. The virus has circulated among humans for at least six decades, experts added. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, symptoms may result in bronchitis and pneumonia.

HMPV infections are spreading in China while cases of flu-like disease have also been found in India and the UK.

Cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, a contagious virus that can lead to respiratory disease, is reportedly spiking in northern China. Infectious disease experts say risk to the U.S. is low.