The World Health Organization says it has been confirmed that acute respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, are spreading in China. However, a WHO spokesperson suggested there is little cause for concern.

The virus causes symptoms such as fever and cough. It can become severe in vulnerable individuals, such as infants and the elderly.

Chinese media outlets have reported on an increase in HMPV cases in the country since late last year. Infections have also been confirmed in India and Indonesia.

WHO referred to the infections in China in a report released on Tuesday about respiratory infections in the Northern hemisphere. It said data published by the country show that the number of acute respiratory infections has grown in recent weeks. It also mentioned that HMPV is among the viruses that have increasingly been detected, particularly in China's northern provinces.

The report also said the rise in respiratory pathogen detections is "within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter." It added that it will continue monitoring the situation in cooperation with Chinese authorities.

WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told reporters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday that HMPV is not a new virus. She said the virus usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold and its case mortality rate is "very, very low."