HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory illness. Cases surged globally in 2026, with detection rates increasing from 0.42% to 5.37% in the United States.
We're working with Apple to restore our app. Use our Web App or Android app below.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus discovered in 2001 that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. While most people experience mild cold-like symptoms, HMPV can cause severe respiratory illness in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. The virus follows seasonal patterns similar to RSV and influenza, with increased activity in late winter and spring months.
HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces. The virus is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms appear.
Contagious Period: Most contagious during first 3-7 days of illness
Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance
Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies
✓ Live data updated in real-time from global health sources
Cold, flu and COVID may get the most attention, but a lesser-known, highly contagious virus is taking the West Coast by storm.
Wastewater SCAN data show that human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is rampant in Northern California -- specifically San Francisco, Marin, Vallejo, Napa, Novato, Santa Rosa, Sacramento and Davis, per reports.
The virus peaked sharply in January and remains elevated in early March, although the seasonal winter wave is now tapering.
"It is a single-stranded RNA virus, like f
Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, typically spreads during winter and spring
If you notice that your office is emptying out, chances are it's because a respiratory virus that few people have actually heard of is circulating throughout Northern California.
According to recent WastewaterSCAN data, concentrations of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, are high in San Francisco, Marin, Vallejo, Napa, Novato, Santa Rosa, Sacramento and Davis. The respiratory illness, which typically lasts from winter thro
A little-known respiratory virus overshadowed by Covid-19 is spreading rapidly across the United States, with major population centers on high alert.
Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, has been spreading since fall 2025, with wastewater surveillance data now showing significant activity from the West Coast to the Northeast.
During the first week of March, the virus accounted for over five percent of positive respiratory virus tests nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Preven
Flu season might be winding down -- but don't stash the tissues just yet.
A little-known respiratory virus with no vaccine or treatment has been quietly picking up steam since the start of winter, helping drive a wave of illnesses across the country.
Wastewater surveillance, which tracks pathogens in sewage to measure community spread, shows that levels have reached the "high" category nationwide as of early March.
And yet, experts say most Americans probably haven't heard of the virus, which
New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): Medical experts in Delhi NCR have observed widespread circulation of respiratory viruses, with Influenza A (H3N2) emerging as a leading driver of the current surge. This wave is characterised by severe symptoms, high-grade fevers, and prolonged recovery times, often extending beyond 10 days Also Read | Indian Students Injured in Knife Attack in Russia's Ufa; Indian Embassy in Moscow Responds (Watch Video). Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr. Dang's Lab, identified Influenza A (H3N2), Metapneumovirus, Coronaviruses, and Influenza B as the primary agents circulating in Delhi-NCR and noted that the surge is likely linked to cooler temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and rising air pollution, which often forces more people into crowded indoor spaces. Dr Dhiren Gupta,...
Read Full Article
Another day, another outbreak notice from Interior Health. The latest outbreak was issued today (Jan. 9) for the entire Westview Place long-term care facility in Penticton. The notice is due to a respiratory infection caused by the human metapneumovirus. On Jan. 8, IH issued an outbreak warning f... Source: Castanet - Read Full Article
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory viral pathogen classified within the Paramyxoviridae family and is a significant cause of acute respiratory tract infections. The vaccine construct maintains stable binding affinity with targeted receptors anaffects young children, the elderly, and immun... Source: Nature - Read Full Article
Track HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) and 200+ other diseases with personalized alerts
Trusted information from leading health organizations
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Common questions about HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) answered by our epidemiology team
Track other diseases with similar symptoms or transmission patterns
Get real-time alerts and intelligence on HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) and 200+ other diseases. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.
We're working with Apple to restore our app. Use our Web App or Android app below.
