Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

The pictures emerging are arresting: a hospital waiting room in Beijing, full of masked patients apparently attached to drips; crowds of mask-wearing commuters making their way through the city. If it all seems unnervingly familiar,

Seven people there have contracted the virus as of Tuesday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research.Chinese health officials have not confirmed that HMPV is what is driving hospitalizations in the country,