hMPV Surge in China: Seasonal Spike or New Respiratory Rival?

China is experiencing a hMPV boom as of January 2025, especially impacting children under 14 with a 24.3% prevalence in infants. While hMPV typically throws a mild cold party, this surge aligns with seasonal spikes seen globally. Experts chuckle, assuring it's not pandemic material, but highlight its role in 3-10% of pediatric respiratory hospitalizations. Enhanced surveillance, tackling co-infections like RSV, and accelerated vaccine research are vital to keeping hMPV in check.