Learn About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus as the name suggests and common cause of respiratory illness. It was identified in 2001 by scientists in the Netherlands.

Key Facts

• Children, people with weakened immune systems and adults older than 65 are most susceptible to developing complications from hMPV infection.
• HPMV is spread by close contact with an infected individual or by touching surfaces or objects (door handles, toys, phones, etc.) with the virus on it and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes.
• HMPV usually causes symptoms like the common cold that last roughly 2-5 days but can vary depending on how sick you get and symptoms typically go away on their own.
• Most children who get infected with HMPV are age 5 or younger. A small number of children (5-16%) infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.

What Causes HMPV?

HMPV is most commonly spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected via secretions from coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them. In the United States, HMPV is more likely to circulate beginning in the winter and lasting until or through the spring months when other respiratory viruses, such as RSV and the flu, are prevalent.

Who Is at Risk?

HMPV can cause upper (affecting the nose and throat) and lower (affecting the lungs and airways) respiratory disease in patients of all ages. However, it is most common in young children and older adults in whom it is more likely to develop into bronchiolitis, bronchitis or pneumonia.

Though a history of asthma, COPD, emphysema or any other lung disease does not make someone more likely to contract the illness, once they have it, these lung diseases can make symptoms more severe. This is also true for people with weakened immune systems, including patients undergoing chemotherapy or post organ transplant.

HMPV infection can also cause asthma flare-ups or make COPD symptoms worse. 

It is a good practice to make sure your family's Asthma Action Plans and/or COPD Action Plans are up to date prior to fall and winter virus season every year.