Here’s a summary of the information about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):
What is HMPV?
- A virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory disease
- Part of the “pneumoviridae family” along with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Originally discovered in 2001
Symptoms
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia
Transmission
- Spread from person to person
- Can be spread through surfaces
Incubation period
- Between 3-6 days
High-risk groups
- Young children
- Adults 65 or older
Seasonality
- Seasonal, with circulation starting in winter and lasting through spring
Treatment and prevention
- No treatment or vaccine available
- Medical care can be “supportive”
- Prevention measures include:
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Avoiding crowds if you’re at high risk of severe illness
- Getting the flu vaccine
- Wearing a mask in crowded places
Current situation
- Cases are increasing in China, but health officials say the outbreak is not out of the ordinary and the risk of another COVID-19 pandemic remains low.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation and reports that HMPV cases have increased in the US since November 2024.
Protection
- Take steps to prevent the spread of HMPV, such as practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding crowds if you’re at high risk of severe illness.
- Get the flu vaccine to protect against other respiratory illnesses.