Lesser-known virus rises in NC. What is human metapneumovirus?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- WastewaterSCAN finds high HMPV at Hominy Creek facility in Wilson, NC.
- HMPV causes respiratory illness, hitting kids, elderly and immunocompromised hard.
- No vaccine or antiviral; prevent with hygiene, avoiding sick people and care.
As flu season winds down, another respiratory virus is spreading rapidly in at least one part of the state.
WastewaterSCAN data, obtained by testing sewage to see what viruses are circulating in a community, show “high concentrations” of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, at the Hominy Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Wilson, about 50 miles east of Raleigh.
The virus can cause upper and lower respiratory illness in people of all ages, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“As with any respiratory illness, there is always a risk of spread,” N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Spokesperson Kelsey Edwards told Charlotte Observer in an email, also noting that HMPV is not reportable in North Carolina, meaning that individual cases are not reported to the health department. “If an outbreak is identified, it would be reported to the local health department. No HMPV outbreaks have been reported so far in 2026.”
Here’s what you need to know.
What is human metapneumovirus?
HMPV is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, according to Mayo Clinic. For most people, it causes symptoms similar to the common cold, though it can sometimes lead to complications such as croup or pneumonia.
Most people are infected at least once before age 5 and can catch it multiple times throughout their lives, according to WebMD. HMPV accounts for about 10% of respiratory infections and tends to circulate most often from winter through spring, though cases can occur year-round, the CDC says.
Scientists first identified HMPV in humans in 2001, but research suggests it had likely been circulating among people for decades before that, according to Mayo Clinic.
Human metapneumovirus symptoms
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of HMPV include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body ache
- Headache
In some cases, the virus can cause more serious illness, including pneumonia or inflammation of the airways such as bronchitis or bronchiolitis, according to the WHO. Severe symptoms can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dehydration or a persistent fever.
How does human metapneumovirus spread?
The virus primarily spreads through contact with infected people, according to WebMD.
It can also spread through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, close contact such as handshakes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes.
Human metapneumovirus treatment and prevention
There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for human metapneumovirus, according to the CDC.
Health experts say people can lower their risk of infection by taking common precautions such as washing hands regularly, avoiding touching the face, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and limiting contact with people who are sick.
For those who do get infected, treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying home and getting rest, the CDC says.
Inspired by a story from The Sacramento Bee in California.
This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 8:50 AM.
