Indonesia’s Bali to curb HMPV cases, steps up checks on visitors from China and Malaysia

China and other countries in Asia have seen an uptick in cases involving the respiratory virus in recent weeks, prompting the UN health agency to assuage concerns over a possible global outbreak.

“China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said on Tuesday.

“Authorities report that hospital utilisation is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.”

The pathogen usually causes normal cold symptoms including cough, fever and nasal congestion. In some people with weak immune systems, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.