Reports are pouring in that western leaders have publicly called on China to be more transparent about a viral outbreak overwhelming its hospitals — as data shows the virus is growing in the US.

The virus, relatively unknown, is called human metapneumovirus (HPMV). It normally causes cold-like symptoms such as a blocked nose, headache, shivering and tiredness.

Beijing is reportedly downplaying footage of overcrowded waiting rooms and wards posted on social media, saying respiratory infections are ‘less severe’ and ‘smaller in scale’ compared to last year.