HMPV: An Emerging Public Health Threat

By Tech OutstandersPUBLISHED: January 20, 23:45UPDATED: January 20, 23:48

Over the past few months, there has been an explosive increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases reported by many healthcare professionals and public health experts around the globe. The respiratory virus has become a considerable player in respiratory illnesses, especially among at-risk groups like young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

What is HMPV?

Human Metapneumovirus: a paramyxovirus first isolated in 2001, from the same family as RSV and parainfluenza viruses. HMPV mainly affects both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract, causing symptoms ranging from mild cold to symptoms like severe respiratory distress.

Common symptoms include:

Fever
Cough
Nasal congestion
Shortness of breath
Wheezing in severe cases

Recent Trends in HMPV Cases

Epidemiological reports show a significant increase in HMPV infection, especially during the winter season when respiratory viruses peak. Although HMPV was once likely to be underdiagnosed owing to a lack of testing, molecular diagnostic advances have revealed increasing evidence of infection.

In the US, CDC reported the elevated HMPV-associated pediatric hospitalizations during the 2024–2025 respiratory season. In the same vein, European nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany have seen more HMPV activity than is commonplace, putting pressure on healthcare systems already stressed by other seasonal pathogens.

Why Are Cases Rising?

There are several reasons for increase in cases of HMPV:

A New Concern Post-Pandemic: Decreased Exposure Leading to Weakened Immunity The pandemic has resulted in reduced exposure to most pathogens due to lockdowns, and the consequent population-level immunity vaccinating against platforms such as HMPV may have taken its toll.
Increased Testing: There’s likely to have been an increase in awareness and progression of diagnostic techniques that have identified more cases, creating a clearer picture of the impact of HMPV.
Climate Variability: It has been suggested that changing weather patterns may influence the spread of respiratory viruses, such as HMPV.

Vulnerable Populations

Although HMPV can cause illness in people of all ages, some people are at an increased risk of serious disease:

Children younger than 5: They are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed.
Older adults: Age-associated immune decline puts older adults at higher risk of severe respiratory complications.
Immunocompromised patients: Those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of being hospitalized for a longer period of time.

Prevention and Treatment

HMPV currently has no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine. Management involves supportive care, including rehydration, fever management, and oxygen therapy in severe cases.

Preventive measures are key to reducing transmission:

Hygiene Practices – Regular washing of hands and exploiting hand sanitiser sanitisers and sanitiser transmission.
Respiratory Hygiene: Cover mouth and nose with elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Avoid Crowds: Minimizing exposure during peak seasons of respiratory illnesses can lower risk.

The Road Ahead

The increase in HMPV cases emphasizes the importance of strengthened surveillance, population awareness, and efforts to develop vaccines. Scientists are working on potential vaccines and treatments, and they hope to better limit the virus’s effects.