Surge in Human Metapneumovirus Cases Raises Public Health Concerns

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus associated with respiratory illnesses, has seen a significant increase in cases across the United States in recent months. According to Alexandria Boehm, a professor at Stanford University, the levels of HMPV are currently higher than they were at the same time last year. HMPV, first identified in 2001, is part of the pneumoviridae family, which includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It primarily affects older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Complications can escalate to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Newsweek

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a notable rise in HMPV cases, with the weekly positive percentage climbing from 0.42% on September 27, 2025, to 5.37% by March 7, 2026. The surge began in November and is expected to continue until April. Comparatively, the weekly positive percentage for the same period last year was 3.82%, suggesting a faster increase this year. Additionally, the WastewaterSCAN program, which monitors infectious diseases through municipal wastewater, has detected high concentrations of HMPV in California and across the Northeast and Midwest.

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The increase in HMPV cases follows a seasonal pattern typical of respiratory viruses, often peaking in winter. Dr. Octavio Ramilo from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital emphasizes the heightened risk for older adults and those with chronic conditions, who may experience severe complications, including pneumonia and cardiovascular issues. The CDC recommends practicing good hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands frequently, to mitigate the spread of HMPV.

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While there is currently no vaccine specifically for HMPV, Dr. Ramilo advises that vaccination against influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumococcus is crucial for older adults and those with chronic health issues. He underscores the importance of these vaccinations to reduce the risk of serious respiratory infections.

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Some health experts express concern that the lack of a specific vaccine for HMPV may lead to increased hospitalizations during peak seasons. Critics argue that public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate the public about HMPV and its potential complications, especially for at-risk populations.

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• “Nationally, we are continuing to see elevated levels of HMPV, with concentrations higher than they were at this time last year,” — Alexandria Boehm, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University

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• “While the surge in cases follows a similar pattern to that in previous years, Ramilo said that it is important for older individuals and those with chronic conditions especially to remember that when you get infected with flu, RSV and HMPV and COVID-19, "you are at high risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia, but also cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarcts and strokes.” — Dr. Octavio Ramilo, Chair in the Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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• “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of vaccination against all these respiratory infections," he said.” — Dr. Octavio Ramilo

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The surge in HMPV cases highlights the ongoing challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly during winter months. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging preventive measures and vaccinations to protect vulnerable populations from severe health outcomes.

Newsweek