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University of Nebraska Medical Center

What is human metapneumovirus?

(Washington Post) Most people probably have not heard of human metapneumovirus, which causes a respiratory illness that typically feels like a common cold.

Most people probably have not heard of the virus, but it’s no cause for alarm. It’s a respiratory illness that, for most who get it, will feel like a common cold.

Here are answers to common questions.

What is human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus, which was discovered in 2001, is a paramyxovirus, a family of viruses known to cause a wide range of common infections. Other paramyxoviruses include parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps.

“This one usually causes a cold — not a big deal in most individuals,” said Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California at San Francisco.

Why are people talking about metapneumovirus?

Like other respiratory illnesses, cases of human metapneumovirus have been on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this month unusual spikes in cases this spring across the United States.

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