HMPV Increases in U.S., CDC Not Concerned

Similarly to other seasonal colds, rates of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are rising rapidly in China and other countries, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation but is not concerned, USA Today reported.

Currently, no evidence suggests the outbreak is out of the ordinary or that a new respiratory virus or illness has emerged in China, ABC News reported. However, Chinese health officials have reported that HMPV positivity rates have risen significantly among children 14 and younger.

Still, cases of HMPV have been steadily increasing in the U.S. since November 2024 with 1.94% of weekly tests positive for HMPV as of Dec. 28, 2024, according to CDC data. By comparison, 18.71% of weekly tests were positive for flu and 7.10% were positive for COVID during the same week, the data shows.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, and symptoms can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. Currently, no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV exists.

Still, the CDC reports that the number of cases of the respiratory disease in the U.S. remains at “pre-pandemic” levels and is not a cause for concern.