The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning this spring that there was an increase in the number of reported cases of Human Metapneumovirus. A rise in hMPV cases was first noted in early 2023, per information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System. The seasonal increase in cases of this obscure virus persisted through the spring but is highly unlikely to persist through the summer.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)?
Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory illness. It shares a phylogenetic tree with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at UTHealth Houston and Children’s Memorial Hermann, says that hMPV has become the second or third leading cause of lower respiratory viral infections and viral pneumonia in children who require medical attention.
Like RSV and flu, hMPV also has annual epidemics in the late winter and early spring, typically following the RSV and flu season by one to two months. During the viral season, hMPV accounts for about 5 to 10% of cases of respiratory illness. However, that number rises during the peak of the hMPV season, as noted by Change.
Since most of the world went into lockdown for the past two years, many viruses that infect humans and cause respiratory diseases like the common cold have not circulated in the population, and Ogunseitan fears that this has led to a surge in these viruses in recent months.
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hMPV Symptoms
Common hMPV symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Nasal Congestion
- Sore Throat
- Croup
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma Exacerbation
Expiratory wheezing may be the presenting symptom in children with bronchiolitis or asthma exacerbations, as explained by Chang. Children under the age of six are at increased risk for developing bronchiolitis. Sometimes, patients with severe lower respiratory tract disease will need to be hospitalized and even receive intensive care. Additionally, hMPV is linked to otitis media.
Typical upper respiratory symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, a cough, and a high temperature, and the vast majority of patients with acute hMPV infection are children. Pink eye can be caused by hMPV, as stated by Change. It’s possible that hMPV’s symptoms will manifest somewhat differently in adults.
Viral pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma, and COPD-like symptoms have all been linked to hMPV infection in adults. Yes, Chang, bronchitis can happen to adults too. For the most part, hMPV infection mimics RSV infection.
hMPV Vs Common Cold
While testing for hMPV is not standard practice, the CDC recommends routine testing during the winter months when the virus is at its peak. hMPV testing can be done in a hospital setting, or your doctor may be able to perform the test in their office by collecting samples from your nose and throat.
It is impossible to distinguish hMPV from the common cold in the vast majority of children and adults, according to Chang. Furthermore, hMPV testing is uncommon in the outpatient setting, and many hospitals do not perform hMPV testing on inpatients. A nasal swab is used for testing, with polymerase chain reaction used to look for viral genetic material.
Laboratory tests may be able to differentiate and identify the specific virus involved, Ogunseitan explained, whereas patients are often unable to tell the difference between cold viruses and hMPV. Symptoms typically subside with rest and OTC remedies like those for the common cold. Ogunseitan stressed the importance of prompt medical attention for anyone experiencing symptoms of a severe infection, including difficulty breathing.
It’s crucial for worried adults to see a doctor, and parents of young children should take extra precautions. Ogunseitan said, “Normal precautions against infection, like washing one’s hands and wearing a mask, should help.”
hMPV Treatment
Treatment for hMPV is limited to general antiviral measures. Symptomatic care at home with hydration and fever reducers will work great for most patients, according to Chang. If a child or infant needs hospitalization, they will primarily be treated with supplemental oxygen, hydration, and supportive care.
Conclusion
Human metapneumovirus cases increased significantly in early spring, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cough, stuffy nose, and sore throat are the most typical signs of this virus infection. The only way to tell the difference between hMPV and the common cold is with testing.
There are currently no cures for the illness, but home symptomatic treatment with fluids and fever reducers can help. Hospitalization from hMPV is most common in infants and toddlers under the age of 2.