Earlier this year, a wave of human metapneumovirus — also known as HMP, or just MPV — swept across the U.S. It’s a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, is common and often goes undiagnosed. But for most, the level of concern should be about the same as a common cold, say experts.
“We do know that there are some people, as with all respiratory viruses, who should take increased precautions,” says Jennifer Schuster, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, adding that those who are immunocompromised, infants and the elderly are most at risk of severe illness.
What Is Human Metapneumovirus?
Dutch scientists first discovered metapneumovirus — also known as HMPV or just MPV — in 2001, but it has circulated amongst human populations for decades prior. The researchers found that by the age of five, almost all children in the Netherlands had already been exposed to it.
