The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official said Sunday, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus,

China has said that it is in close communication with WHO. In India, two fresh cases were reported in Gujarat on Saturday, taking the total HMPV tally to five in the state whereas in Pondy, a 3-year-old infected with HMPV was discharged on Saturday.

India's first case of HMPV was identified in Karnataka earlier this week. Since then, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have also reported HMPV infections. While HMPV is not a new infection, the current outbreak has raised alarm bells due to a high number of cases in China.

Assam reported its first case of hMPV or human metapneumovirus this season on Saturday. The affected is a 10-month-old baby who tested positive in Dibrugarh. The infant is currently undergoing treatment at the Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh.