A recent increase in cases of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China has been misrepresented on social media as evidence of a new virus spreading in the country with some posts claiming it prompted China to declare a state of emergency.

The posts are mostly false. Chinese authorities have reported an increase in some respiratory infections, but the increases are in line with seasonal trends and no state of emergency has been declared.

Despite the lack of an official proclamation, social media speculation about a state of emergency has been stoked by reports of a viral outbreak in China, including human metapneumovirus. Due to the possibility of worldwide transmission,