The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a surge in cases across Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

De Oliveira emphasized that this outbreak is not a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged five years ago in Wuhan, China, and resulted in seven million deaths worldwide. He explained that the current outbreak is a result of the winter season in the northern hemisphere.

"What we are seeing is infection happening by multiple viruses, but all of them are known, especially the one that has just hit the news in the last few days. We call it the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which normally causes cold. But with influenza, COVID, and another virus called the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, it is causing a large wave of respiratory infections," de Oliveira stated.

The epidemiologist's remarks aim to reassure the public that while the outbreak is significant, it is not on the same scale as the COVID-19 pandemic.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--