From symptoms to risk group: everything you need to know about human metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Last update:January 14, 2025, 4:18 pm EST

As on Monday, the total number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases is 17. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

The first case of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) was identified earlier this year. However, as of Monday, a case was reported from Puducherry, taking the total number of cases in the country to 17.

HMPV is a virus whose symptoms resemble a common cold or flu. It can affect people of all ages and cause infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. It can also lead to cases of bronchitis and pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people infected with HMPV usually show symptoms of a cold or flu, such as cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and headaches.

How does HMPV spread?

HMPV is easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, for example when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also become infected by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

Symptoms may include:

Rhinitis
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Who is at risk of HMPV infection?

Although anyone can become infected with HMPV, those at increased risk include infants and young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, or people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart or lung disease.