What is HMPV? What we know about the respiratory virus with no cure surging across the US
WPTZ • • health
Key Points:
- Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus related to RSV, are increasing in several U.S. states, with high concentrations detected in California cities and elevated positivity reported in New Jersey emergency rooms.
- HMPV causes respiratory illness across all age groups, especially affecting young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, with symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, sometimes progressing to bronchitis or pneumonia.
- The virus spreads through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces, typically circulating in the U.S. from winter through spring.
- Potential complications include asthma attacks, ear infections, bronchiolitis,
