Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says a meeting is to be held today, amidst concerns about a reported outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus, (HMPV) in China.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.

While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Reports in the international media are that China is seeing a surge in infections, leading to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures and public concerns about an outbreak.

It comes, five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic, with seven million deaths reported.

China’s health authorities are implementing emergency measures, to monitor and manage the spread of HMPV.

Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Speaking with Irie Fm News yesterday, Dr. Tufton said Jamaica is also monitoring the situation and a meeting has been set for today.