Cases of human metapneumovirus sharply rose this spring, according to CDC data. Symptoms closely mimic other respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus and the flu, but patients are not typically tested for its presence unless admitted to the ER.
"Since HMPV is a recently recognized respiratory virus, healthcare professionals may not routinely consider or test for HMPV," the CDC says on its website. "However, healthcare professionals should consider HMPV testing during winter and spring, especially when HMPV is commonly circulating."
Even with testing, physicians say it likely would not change the type of care they give to patients who are infected with it, according to CNN. Since there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV, physicians are left to mostly treat symptoms.
Here are seven other notes about the prevalent, but lesser known virus:
- HMPV primarily spreads through coughing and sneezing.
- Between Feb. 18 and April 15, the U.S. had the most consistently high positive test rates for HMPV.
- HMPV can progress into bronchitis or pneumonia.
- The virus can lead to upper and lower respiratory disease in all ages, but mostly young children or older adults.
- HMPV was discovered in 2001.
- Increased use of molecular diagnostic testing has helped to track and identify cases.
- A majority of children have had an HMPV infection by age 5, according to CNN.