Exploring the Surge in Cases of the Little-Known Respiratory Virus HMPV

Little-Known Respiratory Virus Surges in U.S.

In recent months, cases of a little-known respiratory virus that causes common cold-like symptoms surged in the United States, according to data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001 as a paramyxovirus, typically has mild symptoms, but could result in progressing to bronchitis or pneumonia for people who are younger or older or those with compromised immune systems. Although most people who may have had the virus likely were not tested for it because the symptoms are consistent with those of a common cold, the percentage of positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for HMPV diagnosis peaked at nearly 11 percent in mid-March in the U.S. while more than 19 percent of antigen tests were positive. Currently, the percentage of positive PCR tests has dropped to about 2 percent as of May 13th. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, figures for HMPV in particular dropped, but the virus garnered increased attention after the CDC reported a higher-than-normal number of cases this past spring.

Symptoms and Mode of Transmission

According to the CDC, symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. The virus is spread through coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with the virus through personal contact or touching an object that could be contaminated before touching eyes, mouth, or nose. Health care providers may not test for it because it was a recently recognized virus. Consequently, there is no antiviral treatment for HMPV or a vaccine to prevent it.

Philosophical Discussion

The surge of cases of HMPV has been a reminder that viruses exist beyond COVID-19 and raise questions about the ways in which public health is ensured in the U.S. and globally. The attention given to COVID-19 is not only necessary but fair because of the large-scale impact it has had on populations around the world. However, the height of COVID-19 in terms of cases and statistics should not have meant that other viruses and health issues were pushed aside.

The discovery and spread of HMPV raise philosophical discussions about the extent to which biological entities exist to create problems for humans, although humans have the potential to solve them. As humans continue to traverse and dominate the planet, questions of prevention and control of infectious diseases and epidemics arise. While advancements in medicine and technology such as vaccines and gene-editing technologies create hope for solving and preventing health issues in the future, the close relationships that humans have with plants and animals seem to pose a greater risk of zoonotic diseases. As such, HMPV serves as a reminder that we need to invest in health care research, not just to prepare for unknown diseases but to understand the limitations of medical knowledge and address diseases that are common.

Editorial and Advice

The surge of HMPV cases should serve as an impetus for individuals and the government to take health care more seriously. Although the vaccine for COVID-19 is now available, people should visit their healthcare providers and properly tested when feeling unwell to ensure no other respiratory illnesses are present. It is necessary to invest in health care research now and in the future with a continued commitment to create effective treatments and vaccines to ensure human longevity in the face of new health threats. Additionally, it remains important to continue to spread awareness on how diseases can be transmitted and prevented, so that it can yield to better preventive measures.