Wastewater data shows highly contagious HMPV virus spreading across U.S. West Coast

• Wastewater surveillance data show that the respiratory virus human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading across parts of the U.S. West Coast, particularly in Northern California communities.
• The virus, first identified in 2001 and related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is monitored through the National Wastewater Surveillance System, which analyzes sewage to detect disease trends.
• HMPV cases surged in January and remain elevated in early March, with rising levels also reported in the Midwest and Northeast.
• There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment, and symptoms commonly include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath, though severe illness can occur in high-risk groups.
• Health officials say the virus spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets, urging preventive measures such as proper handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, covering coughs and avoiding contact with others when sick.

New wastewater surveillance data have revealed that a highly contagious respiratory virus known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading across parts of the U.S. West Coast.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human metapneumovirus belongs to the same viral family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and was first identified in 2001. Health officials say the virus often circulates during the colder months and can cause respiratory illness similar to other seasonal infections.

The virus is being tracked through the National Wastewater Surveillance System, a CDC program that analyzes sewage samples to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in communities. Monitoring from the WastewaterSCAN shows elevated levels of the virus in Northern California communities, including San Francisco, Marin, Vallejo, Napa, Novato, Santa Rosa, Sacramento and Davis.

Data indicate that HMPV cases surged sharply in January and remain elevated in early March, though the seasonal winter wave appears to be gradually declining.

“It is a single-stranded RNA virus, like flu and COVID,” said Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News. “The virus is increasing not only in the West, but also around the country.”

However, wastewater data suggest that HMPV levels are also rising in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

CDC warns HMPV can cause serious illness despite limited public awareness

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV.

In line with this, the CDC advises supportive care, such as rest and staying hydrated, while testing from healthcare providers can confirm infection. Symptoms in otherwise healthy adults and children commonly include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. However, the virus can lead to more severe illness in high-risk groups such as young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Doctors say complications may include pneumonia, asthma attacks, wheezing, bronchiolitis, ear infections and croup – a respiratory condition known for causing a distinctive barking cough. People with chronic lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, may also face a higher risk of complications if infected.

Health officials say the virus spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces.

In turn, the agency recommends several preventive measures to help curb the spread of the virus, including covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, practicing proper handwashing, regularly sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and avoiding contact with others or wearing a mask when sick. Additionally, BrightU.AI‘s Enoch suggests maintaining a strong immune system through a diet rich in organic, nutrient-dense foods, regular physical activity and adequate sleep.

Experts note that although the virus is less widely known than flu or Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), it is responsible for an estimated 650,000 hospitalizations worldwide each year.

Watch this video from Dr. Paul Cottrell discussing the spread of the HMPV virus in China.

This video is from Dr.Paul Cottrell’s channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

USAToday.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com