A rise in detected cases of a virus with flu-like symptoms has been observed in the past winter and spring in the US, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Overshadowed by attention on influenza and RSV, hMPV is now being increasingly noticed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, likely attributed to improved testing capabilities.
Here is all you need to know about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
What is Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
It was discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Improved molecular diagnostic testing has led to increased identification and awareness of hMPV as a significant cause of respiratory infections.
What are hMPV's symptoms?
Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.
hMPV is most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates, and it is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, close personal contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine for hMPV, and medical care is supportive.
Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
Why are hMPV cases on the rise?
According to Dr Rick Malley, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, there is now greater attention being given to specifying the cause of infections compared to before, which he attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The doctor explained that the awareness of other viruses and the diseases they cause has increased significantly.
“There’s a much greater attention to identifying the cause of (infections) than we’ve ever had before,” Dr Malley told USA TODAY.
What is the treatment for hMPV?
In terms of treatment, there is currently no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available for the treatment or prevention of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections.
Medical care for hMPV is generally supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and providing comfort to the patient.
This may include measures such as rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to alleviate fever, cough, and congestion.
The CDC suggests, however, that It is important for individuals with hMPV or any respiratory virus to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection, such as practising good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with others, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
However, hMPV is associated with an elevated risk of developing bacterial pneumonia, which would require distinct treatment.
Can you get pneumonia from hMPV?
In cases where the viral infection leads to complications such as bacterial pneumonia, appropriate antibiotic treatment should be administered to address the secondary bacterial infection.
Dr Malley emphasized that hMPV may play a significant role in causing pneumonia, particularly pneumococcal pneumonia.
"Just because you’ve identified a virus in someone doesn’t mean that there can’t be a bacterium lurking around," said the doctor.
The CDC suggests that healthcare providers should consider hMPV testing, especially during the winter and spring seasons.
Laboratory diagnosis can be confirmed through polymerase chain reaction assays or the detection of viral antigens in respiratory secretions.
