Researchers call it a potential "game-changer"
Anyone can be infected with hMPV, but it is most common in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The disease in question is human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory disease.
It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu.
Like RSV, human metapneumovirus is in the Pneumoviridae family, which makes it a potentially deadly virus.
Most children who get infected with hMPV are age five or younger. Of these, a small number (5-16%) infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.
Older people infected with hMPV are also prone to pneumonia or other respiratory disorders such as bronchiolitis or bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association.
Common symptoms of hMPV include cough, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath—the same signs as influenza or COVID-19. And therein lies the dilemma. The hMPV pathogen is often missed because of its similarity with these more familiar respiratory disorders.
Others at risk of contracting hMPV are those with weakened immune systems, perhaps as a result of chemotherapy or post organ transplant. And anyone with an underlying lung disease will always be susceptible to hMPV.
Human metapneumovirus was discovered in 2001, but while use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of hMPV, the disease for the most part has remained under the public radar.
Furthermore, hMPV was the second most common cause of respiratory infections in kids behind RSV in the last 25 years.
But studies over the last four years or so have shown that hMPV was just as common as RSV and flu in pensioners in hospital, according to the UK's Mirror newspaper.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recorded a spike in cases of hMPV across the United States, though few citizens seem to be aware of the exact nature of the virus.
But the CDC also reported a willingness by the general public to learn more about hMPV and its effect on their health.
More worryingly, most people appear ignorant as to the dangers of this potentially fatal virus.
Transmission of hMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing.
Human metapneumovirus can also be passed through close personal contact with infected persons, such as touching or shaking hands.
Spread of the virus is also promoted by contact with objects and surfaces contaminated by their secretions, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Human metapneumovirus circulates in distinct annual cycles, beginning in winter and lasting until or through spring. Confusingly, RSV and influenza can circulate simultaneously during the respiratory virus season.
Mild symptoms of hMPV can be treated with over-the-counter medications to control pain, fever, and congestion. Recovery usually takes about 10 days.
According to the CDC, there is currently no specific antiviral therapy to treat hMPV and no vaccine to prevent hMPV. Medical care is purely supportive.
However, patients with more severe symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath should make an appointment to see their doctor, after which a temporary inhaler and steroids may be prescribed.
Methods of preventing the spread of hMPV will be familiar to millions, as procedures closely follow those of confining COVID-19. In the first instance, avoid touching people who are infected, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
It's important to avoid close contact with people who are sick, or who show any signs of having contracted hMPV.
Get into the habit of wiping down possible contaminated surfaces, things like tabletops and doorknobs. Doing so may help prevent the spread of the virus.
Be aware that hMPV is associated with an increased risk of developing bacterial pneumonia. This condition is typically treated with antibiotics.
People with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis should always take precautions to protect themselves from hMPV, influenza, and other contagious diseases.
The fact that hMPV is a recently recognized respiratory virus means healthcare professionals may not routinely consider or test for the disease.
"[But] there's a much greater attention to identifying the cause of (infections) than we've ever had before," assures Dr. Rick Malley, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, during an interview with USA Today.
Sources: (CNN) (American Lung Association) (Mirror) (CDC) (USA Today)
Click through for answers and advice on how to prevent contracting this little-known disease.
What's the unheard-of respiratory illness that's claiming lives?
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HEALTH Hmpv
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV): it's potentially as virulent as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza, yet few people have heard of it. In fact, most people who've caught it probably didn’t even know they had it. Indeed, sick people aren't usually tested for it outside of a hospital or ER. Furthermore, there is no vaccine or antiviral drugs to combat it. So, what is the killer virus that saw a spike this past winter and spring, and has doctors warning of its effects on human health?
Click through for answers and advice on how to prevent contracting this little-known disease.