What is hMPV : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that ranges from causing mild colds to severe illness. hMPV can cause mild cold symptoms or serious respiratory illness in susceptible individuals like young children and older adults.

Below, we will cover the hMPV symptoms, causes, treatment, and ways to manage and prevent hMPV effectively.

Table of Contents

What is human metapneumovirus (hMPV)?

Human Metapneumovirus is a member of the Pneumoviridae family and is a paramyxovirus. It was first identified in 2001 but has been around for over 50 years. It’s a single-stranded RNA virus and shares many characteristics with other paramyxoviruses.

There are two main subtypes, A and B, and both are pathogenic. Subtype B is more commonly associated with prolonged illness and has a cough and other respiratory symptoms.

Although hMPV is as common as other respiratory viruses like influenza or RSV, it’s often overlooked.

Symptoms of hMPV Infection

Most people with hMPV will have mild upper respiratory symptoms like a cold. They may have a fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and headaches.

Young children and infants are most susceptible, often having upper respiratory infections that can progress.

In severe cases, hMPV can cause illness in high-risk individuals. Symptoms can include chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dehydration, and persistent fever.

You may also experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma exacerbations, bronchitis, and pneumonia. If you have severe symptoms, go to the doctor immediately.

Early recognition of hMPV symptoms is key to treatment. Be aware of symptoms, especially during peak season when hMPV is most contagious.

hMPV Symptoms:

Fever and sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches and headaches
Chest pain, dizziness, and extreme fatigue
Wheezing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia

How hMPV Spreads

This virus is spread through:

Respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes
Contaminated particles that settle on surfaces or are inhaled by nearby people
Direct contact like handshakes and hugs

The virus can survive on surfaces long enough for you to touch an infected surface and then touch your face. With an incubation period of 3-6 days, you can be contagious before you even know you’re sick. This makes it hard to control.

You’ll notice hMPV is most common during winter to early spring when we’re all indoors.

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hMPV Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hMPV is based on physical exam, medical history, and laboratory tests. If you have difficulty breathing or severe symptoms, go to the doctor immediately.

The most common test for hMPV is the RT-PCR test, which detects the virus’s genetic material.

If symptoms worsen, a bronchoscopy may be done to obtain samples for testing.

If you have concerns about hMPV, see a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment Options for hMPV

Treatment of hMPV is symptomatic and supportive to help you feel better while your body recovers. This may include taking fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and antihistamines to relieve congestion.

The type of care you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Most people recover from hMPV without specific antiviral therapy.

But those with severe symptoms or underlying conditions may need more intensive care and monitoring to manage complications.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention is through good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of this virus.

A good cleaning routine and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces can help reduce transmission. hMPV is more contagious in environments with poor air quality or overcrowding. Good ventilation and avoiding overcrowding are key.

Employers should encourage sick workers to stay home and educate workers about hMPV symptoms.

Health authorities recommend avoiding close contact with sick people and good respiratory hygiene.

These will help prevent hMPV and protect susceptible individuals.

Take Note: You shouldn’t use any medications without consulting your doctor or having a prescription. I strongly recommend getting your doctor’s advice first.

Epidemiology and Seasonal Trends

Globally, hMPV surveillance is not well established, and reporting is inconsistent.

But studies show about 9% of respiratory infections are caused by hMPV, which is similar to RSV.

The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors acute respiratory infections worldwide. This helps manage hMPV outbreaks. In the UK, clinics and hospitals have reported a seasonal pattern of hMPV cases starting in October 2024.

Detection rates similar to RSV
Seasonal peaks are winter to early spring.
Increased surveillance is critical.

In the Northern Hemisphere, cold seasons are associated with an increase in respiratory cases in hospitals.

Also, WHO recommends countries to implement local surveillance to manage hMPV and other repiratory pathogens.

Impact on High-Risk Groups

hMPV is more severe in high-risk groups, which include young children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. Older adults or those with chronic conditions like COPD are more likely to get severe symptoms from this virus.

Those with compromised immune systems will have longer illnesses and more severe infections than those with normal immune function.

40% of hMPV patients can progress from upper respiratory infection to lower respiratory infection, which can be serious.

Early detection and intervention for these high-risk groups is key to preventing complications and better outcomes for those who are at risk of respiratory infections.

Comparison to Other Respiratory Viruses

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is similar to other common respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For example, hMPV and RSV are both spread by airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be spread by contaminated surfaces.

So good hygiene and cleanliness are key to preventing transmission.

During the cold season there are many respiratory pathogens that resurface. Along with hMPV and RSV, influenza and mycoplasma pneumoniae are also in the mix.

But hMPV is not a pandemic virus like SARS-CoV-2. So hMPV has been around long enough for many people to have some immunity, especially those who are at higher risk of respiratory infections.

Same symptoms as RSV.
Spreads through airborne droplets.
Peaks in winter.

Public Health Response

Public health measures are key to controlling hMPV outbreaks and involve various approaches to stop the spread of the virus.

WHO recommends continuous surveillance through a comprehensive approach that takes into account local context and resources to monitor respiratory pathogens.

Unfortunately, attack rates and deaths can be very high in long-term care facilities during hMPV outbreaks and put a big burden on our health system because of the vulnerability of the population.

To address respiratory virus outbreaks, WHO works closely with Chinese health authorities to respond to emerging public health issues.

hMPV is contagious.

Yes, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is contagious and spreads through close contact with an infected person. It is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

These droplets can land on surfaces or be inhaled by nearby individuals and thus spread the virus.

You should also know that hMPV can spread through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The incubation period of hMPV is 3-6 days, during which a person can spread the virus even without showing symptoms. This makes it hard to contain the spread.

Airborne respiratory particles.
Contact with contaminated objects.
Incubation period: 3-6 days.

A person with hMPV is infectious while showing symptoms for about 2-7 days.

Re-infection can occur, but thanks to immunity from previous exposure, subsequent infections are milder.

hMPV Virus Death Rate

The mortality rate of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection varies greatly, especially among immunocompromised individuals.

In fact, 43% of patients with lower respiratory tract illness due to hMPV die within 100 days. Studies show that pneumonia caused by hMPV has a mortality rate of 10-80%, especially among immunocompromised individuals.

Risk factors that increase mortality rate are oxygen therapy and steroid use during hMPV infection.

The overall mortality rate for hMPV is relatively low. In the general population, the death rate is approximately 0.1% (1 in 1,000 cases).

Is hMPV in the US?

In the United States, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common cause of respiratory illnesses in hospitalized children, especially those under 5 years old.

Research shows that 3.8% of hospitalizations for acute respiratory illness are due to hMPV. This virus accounts for about 1.2 hospitalizations per 1,000 children in this age group per year.

hMPV incidence peaks from late winter to spring, February to May, when most hospitalization occurs. Among infants 0-5 months old, hospitalization rates for hMPV increase.

Human metapneumovirus is a major cause of lower respiratory illness in young American children, second only to influenza and parainfluenza viruses.

Healthcare professionals and caregivers should be aware of its presence to facilitate early diagnosis and management.

How long does hMPV last?

hMPV infection can last from several days to two weeks, but healthy individuals recover without complications. Recovery may take longer for high-risk individuals like older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

In most cases, mild hMPV infection resolves within a few days to a week. But some symptoms, like cough, may persist even after the main recovery phase is over.

Knowing the typical progression and timeline of hMPV infection helps you set realistic recovery expectations and plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common yet often ignored respiratory virus that can cause anything from mild colds to severe respiratory illness. It spreads through airborne respiratory particles and contaminated objects, peaking during winter and early spring.

High-risk groups such as young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are more prone to severe infections.

So practice good hygiene, maintain environmental controls, and support public health measures to prevent the spread of hMPV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of hMPV?

Common symptoms of hMPV include mild cold-like signs like a runny nose and sore throat, but can also escalate to more severe issues like fever and wheezing.

If you’re experiencing these, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.

How does hMPV spread?

hMPV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and you can also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces.

So, it’s a good idea to wash your hands regularly and keep your distance when someone is sick!

What are the high-risk groups for severe hMPV infection?

If you’re in a high-risk group such as young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system, be especially cautious about hMPV infection.

How is hMPV diagnosed?

hMPV is diagnosed through physical exams, patient history, and laboratory tests like RT-PCR.

So, if you suspect infection, a healthcare provider will likely use these methods to confirm it.

References

Ho, Antonia. “Human Metapneumovirus: A Growing Concern.” Journal of Clinical Virology, vol. 150, 2024, pp. 16-23.
World Health Organization. “Updates on Human Metapneumovirus Cases in China.” World Health Organization, 12 Jan. 2025, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON550.
“Human Metapneumovirus Cases Increase in China.” Science Media Centre, 14 Jan. 2025, https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-comments-about-hmpv-human-metapneumovirus-following-media-reports-about-cases-in-china.
Fact check: Human metapneumovirus in China BMJ 2025; 388 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r68