Is HMPV a pandemic? What you should know about common viruses

You’ve probably had HMPV before, but now you’re probably hearing about it more than ever.

A reported increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases across China has led to headlines and social media posts about a “new virus” and even the possibility of another pandemic.

But the virus is not new – it has been known in the medical world for decades – and has likely been affecting people for much longer without much public awareness.

Here’s what you need to know about HMPV.

Is HMPV a new virus?

HMPV is not a new virus and it is not specific to or from China. It was first identified in 2001 but has been circulating around the world since the 1950s.

The recent headlines have been about a surge in HMPV in China, but the virus is quite common during the winter sickness season.

In the Centers for Disease Control regions for New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, the number of HMPV-positive tests has risen and fallen in recent weeks, but is recently lower than in late summer.

Breaking News

Dellupodisabato

Is HMPV a pandemic? What you should know about common viruses

Leave a Reply Cancel reply