WHAT IS HMPV Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily causes mild upper respiratory infections, often resembling flu-like symptoms. It was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) . Transmission and Symptoms HMPV spreads through: - Respiratory droplets: Released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. - Direct contact: Touching an infected person or contaminated surfaces. - Airborne particles: In poorly ventilated areas, small particles can remain suspended in the air . Common symptoms include: - Cough - Fever - Nasal congestion - Sore throat - Wheezing or shortness of breath (in severe cases) . While most infections are mild and resolve within a few days, infants under two years, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis . Diagnosis and Treatment Diagn...