What is HMPV? Little-known virus cases are up 36% this year

health

To Mark Laranilla

May 31, 2023 | 12:55 PM

A virus virtually unheard of spreads across America, 36% Spike In the case of 2023, according to new data From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. According to the Cleveland Clinic.

So while most people think they have a cold or the flu, in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause serious illness that can lead to hospitalization. I have.

No wonder most people have never heard of HMPV. This virus wasn’t even discovered by him until 2001.

But when scientists tested blood samples dating back to the 1950s, they found evidence that the virus had been circulating for at least 50 years. CNN coverage.

“Still, I think a lot of people, even health care workers, are unfamiliar with this virus,” said John V. Williams, professor of pediatrics, microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh. told in conversation.

HMPV is “the most important virus you’ve ever heard of,” Williams said.

HMPV cases typically increase in January, peak in March and April, and decline in May as the weather warms.

The surge in HMPV cases in 2023 is due to people’s weakened immune systems as a result of years of mask wearing and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. could be the cause.

HMPV treatment

Most people with HMPV infection get better after a few days of rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers.

Most children are infected with HMPV by the age of five.

But for some young children, the disease can take a nasty turn.

HMPV in infants

in 2015 Research from the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseasesinfants and children younger than 2 years were most likely to be hospitalized with HMPV.

In addition, 18% of hospitalized children were treated in intensive care units, and 6% required a ventilator due to respiratory distress.

A study published in The Lancet magazine estimated that: In 2018, HMPV caused 643,000 hospitalizations and 16,100 deaths in children under the age of five worldwide.

There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disease, but that could change soon.

Moderna, the maker of a new coronavirus vaccine, started development early Clinical trials of vaccines against HMPV.

Until such a vaccine is developed, doctors will continue to follow the usual precautions against HMPV and other respiratory viruses: washing hands regularly, avoiding sick people, and staying home if you feel unwell. is recommended.