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Surge in Respiratory Infections Alarms Health Officials

1/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Health officials are sounding the alarm over a troubling rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China, especially affecting children. Symptoms like cough and fever can escalate to pneumonia in severe cases. In the U.S., whooping cough is also on the rise, with over 32,000 cases reported in 2024, underscoring the critical need for vaccinations.

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Story summary

Health officials are sounding the alarm over a troubling rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China, especially affecting children. Symptoms like cough and fever can escalate to pneumonia in severe cases. In the U.S., whooping cough is also on the rise, with over 32,000 cases reported in 2024, underscoring the critical need for vaccinations.