While COVID and RSV rates were decreasing this spring, a lesser-known virus was on the rise

While COVID-19 and RSV cases fell across the United States this spring, infections associated with another lesser-known respiratory virus rose.

The rate of positive human metapneumovirus (hMPV) tests soared to 19.6% for antigen tests and 10.9% for PCR tests in early March, according to the report. data From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For the four years before the pandemic, the weekly positive test rate was never exceeded 7.7%the data show.

On the other hand, at the start of the game, the percentage of those who tested positive COVID and RSV According to the CDC, they were 7% and 2%, respectively.

The virus causes mild symptoms in most people, usually disappear spontaneouslyBut health experts say the data serve as a reminder to remain vigilant, not just for the most high-profile respiratory infections, but for all types of respiratory infections.

“Human metapneumovirus is one of many respiratory viruses that get less attention,” said Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy and management at the City University of New York School of Public Health. ABC news.

What are hMPVs?

HMPV was discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same virus family as RSV. CDC. It can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections, but young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are at increased risk of serious illness.

The virus is most commonly transmitted from person to person and can be transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing, personal contact such as shaking hands, or touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Yes, the CDC said.

What are your symptoms?

After infection, it takes 3 to 6 days for symptoms to appear, and can include cold-like symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, fever, and shortness of breath.

Surveillance data show that, like other seasonal viruses such as the flu, they tend to be more active in late winter and spring, but this year has seen a surge.

“That peak itself is about 36% higher than what was normally seen pre-pandemic,” Lee said. “Thus, this is an indirect way of knowing the prevalence of hMPV infection. It suggests at least significant activity.”

Lee said that although hMPV testing has become more widespread, the actual rate may be higher than reported because people are not routinely tested for hMPV.

How is hMPV treated and prevented?

There is no antiviral therapy to treat hMPV, so infected people can treat the disease with over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and decongestants.

There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, according to the CDC, so precautions include washing your hands with warm soap and water, cleaning surfaces, and staying home if you’re sick.

Lee said the lessons learned from the pandemic about the importance of mitigation can be applied here.

“In the early stages [in the pandemic] “It was very clear to me that many of the precautions normally taken to prevent respiratory virus transmission were not being taken,” he said, adding, “So the best way to transition out of the pandemic in a truly constructive way is to: It’s about thinking,” he said. What precautions should be taken in general to prevent the spread of these respiratory viruses?”