Health experts: Little-known virus called HMPV had spring surge

Health officials are seeing a spike in cases of a little-known respiratory virus – human metapneumovirus – HMPV.

The virus doesn’t cause a severe infection, explained one epidemiologist, but it causes many of the same symptoms as COVID. Symptoms can include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

Despite not being as well-known, HMPV saw a big surge in cases throughout the spring.

At its peak in mid-March, the CDC saw positive testing for HMPV at around 11% – 36% higher than pre-COVID average.

Those with weaker immune systems are more at risk – especially younger children and the elderly.