Little-Known Respiratory Virus Found In Connecticut: What To Know

CONNECTICUT — A lesser-known respiratory virus has been detected in Connecticut, according to wastewater monitoring that identified human metapneumovirus in samples from Stamford.

Data from Stanford University's WastewaterSCAN program indicate that human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, has been detected at a sampling site in Stamford.

Wastewater monitoring can reveal which viruses are circulating in communities by detecting genetic traces left in sewage from infected people.

Human metapneumovirus levels detected in wastewater samples in Stamford, Connecticut, according to the WastewaterSCAN project led by Stanford University and partners.

The virus can cause upper and lower respiratory illness with symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Most cases are mild, but younger children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Symptoms can sometimes progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

While people can contract HMPV year-round, the CDC says infections are more prevalent during the winter and spring.

It spreads through the air after someone coughs or sneezes, through close personal contact or touching contaminated objects and surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.

HMPV was first identified in 2001 and now circulates globally, according to the Mayo Clinic.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus.

Health experts recommend basic precautions such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.

Patch editor Corey Washington contributed to this story.