Viruses · Respiratory
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)
Upper and lower respiratory infections
The short answer
Identified in 2001, hMPV is a respiratory virus. Illness is usually mild but can affect the lungs.
Transmission and timing
Respiratory particles, close contact and contaminated surfaces can spread it. A seasonal increase in one region does not establish an outbreak in another country.
WHO ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Cough, fever, congestion and breathlessness may occur. Infants, older adults, immunocompromised people and some patients with chronic conditions need closer attention.
CDC ↗When to seek help
Seek assessment for breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe weakness, dehydration or persistent fever. Severe respiratory distress is an emergency.
WHO ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
Molecular testing can identify the pathogen. Every mild cold does not require an hMPV test; whether the result will change care is important.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
At the source-check date, there is no approved specific antiviral or vaccine. Care is supportive, with reassessment if the illness worsens.
CDC ↗Prevention and everyday life
Ventilation, hand hygiene and limiting close contact while ill can help. A mask can add protection in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
WHO ↗Clinical assessment note
hMPV, RSV, influenza and COVID-19 may be indistinguishable by symptoms alone. Link test selection to clinical risk and actionable decisions.
CDC ↗WHO ↗Bring a question to your appointment
Would the test result change a decision in my care?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- WHO · Human metapneumovirus infection: questions and answers ↗
Country context: International · Source checked: · Source date: 2025-01-10
- CDC · About human metapneumovirus ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked: · Source date: 2026-02-10
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — First sourced draft prepared; medical review pending.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards