A surge in cases of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) has raised fears of another Covid-19 style pandemic after harrowing images in China show children in hospital beds needing urgent treatment

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

The WHO has downplayed concerns over a rise in HMPV cases, saying outbreaks are normal during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

An expert has warned that the new virus currently spreading in China could reach "other parts of the world." The human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has seen a recent surge in cases across China, has prompted the country’s Centers for Disease Control to call for additional measures to curb its spread.