The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official said Sunday, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus,

As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

China said on Sunday that it had seen a decline in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among residents in northern provinces and in children under 14, amid international concern over a potential pandemic.

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.