What to know about new seasonal respiratory virus HMPV

You’ve probably heard of respiratory viruses like RSV, but there is a seasonal respiratory virus that deserves attention, according to Will Humble, Executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association. He joined us on “Arizona Horizon” to discuss HMPV.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that’s part of the same family as RSV. It spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact and touching contaminated surfaces. Reports of a surge in cases of the virus in China and India have made many think of the COVID-19 pandemic almost five years ago.

Most people recover without issue, but for some, it can lead to severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. Unlike its sister virus RSV, there is no vaccine for HMPV.

“It’s just not reportable. You have to mandate reporting in order to get people to turn that data in and do the tests,” Humble said.

There is only voluntary reporting for data of the HMPV virus within the United States therefore the total count of hospitalizations from the virus is uncertain. Influenza, similar to RSV, is a more popular virus that has been spreading since December, according to Humble.

“There’s some RSV out there but not very much, why? Because people were infected last year, it gives you residual antibodies for this year,” Humble said.