Rhode Island Hit Hard With Little-Known Respiratory Virus

A lesser-known respiratory virus is raising public health concerns across the United States.

According to Stanford University's WastewaterSCAN, new data shows the spread of human metapneumovirus throughout New England.

WastewaterSCAN analyzes wastewater samples from sewage treatment plants to detect infectious diseases and inform public health responses at the local, regional, and national levels.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV is a respiratory illness that usually spreads through winter and spring seasons. The virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, person-to-person contact, and in the air.

HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Infected people can spread the virus for up to a week after symptoms first appear, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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The virus can also lead to severe but less-common conditions, such as Asthma attacks, middle ear infections, and bronchiolitis — infection in the small airways. It also can trigger croup, the "barking" cough.

The CDC says HMPV virus can also lead to mild illness in healthy children. The first human case of the HMPV was confirmed in 2001 in Holland, according to the Mayo Clinic. It has since spread all over the globe.

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The Midwest and Northeast have experienced the highest concentrations of the virus. HMPV is an RNA virus, which like COVID-19, spreads fastest in cold environments, especially among crowds of people who are indoors.

Anyone can be infected with HMPV, but infants, seniors, and people living with immune disorders or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness.

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Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment available that can prevent HMPV infection.

To prevent the spread of HMPV, the CDC advises people to practice good hygiene, use proper handwashing techniques, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs.

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