Human Metapneumovirus was identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. It is a respiratory virus that is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals and causes mild to severe respiratory symptoms, especially in winter. While there is limited immunity from reinfection, it commonly infects children early in life. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and prevention relies on standard cold precautions.

1. Human Metapneumovirus

2. What is Human
Metapnuemovirus?
 Identified in 2001 in the Netherlands
 It is a recently identified member of a family of
viruses that also includes respiratory Syncytial
Virus and Parainfluenza Virus.
 Data suggest this virus could be the cause of
respiratory illness for at least 50 years
worldwide.

3. Respiratory System

4. How is hMPV Transmitted?
 Most likely to occur by direct or close contact
with the respiratory area of an infected person.
of hMPV

5. Symptoms of hMPV
 Mild symptoms:
 Cough
 Runny nose
 Nasal congestion
 Sore throat
 Fever

6. Symptoms of hMPV
 More severe
symptoms:
 Wheeczing
 Hoarseness
 Cough
 Pneumonia
 Aggravation of asthma
(mostly in adults)

7. When is hMPV Most
Common?
 It is most common during the winter in the
United States

8. Is There Immunity to hMPV?
 Limited data reinfection can occur.
 It is said that children will get it early on
in life.
 Also, that adult infections represent
having hMPV a second time.

9. How is hMPV Diagnosed?
 hMPV testing is not readily available.
 At this time, research laboratories and a
limited number of commercial laboratories
perform hMPV testing.

10. How is hMPV Treated?
 Treatment varies based on the severity of
the illness.
 Treatments consist of:
 Fever reducers
 Antihistamines
 Breathing treatments

11. Can hMPV Be Prevented?
 hMPV cannot initially be prevented.
 But once someone has been diagnosed
with hMPV, regular cold precautions
should be taken.
 Such as:
 Covering mouth and nose when coughing
and sneezing
 Proper washing of hands

12. Can Other Species Be Infected?
 Other species can be infected with hMPV.
 Humans are their likely source of
infection.

13. Lysogenic Cycle
 hMPV is a lysogenic virus.
 Meaning, it enters and integrates into the
host DNA as a new set of genes called
prophage.
 It merges with the cell but does not
destroy it.
13

14. Ways To Help

15. Bibliography
 "Search Results." Stock Science and Specialist Images and Footage. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "Google Image Result for Http://www.whofish.org/DevImages/imgActive/
original_40807.JPG." Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "Google Image Result for Http://www.louisvillewaterfront.com/events/calendar/
2009/2009 Pics/0609 Asthma Walk.gif." Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "Google Image Result for Http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/HT/
american-lung-assoc-lg.jpg." Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "HMPV." Vironovative.com. Web. 29 Mar. 2011. <http://www.vironovative.com/
hmpv.html>.
 "Google Image Result for Http://slohs.slcusd.org/pages/teachers/rhamley/Biology/Frog
Dissection/Respiratory_system.gif." Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "Google Image Result for Http://www.umm.edu/graphics/images/en/19380.jpg."
Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.

16. Bibliography
 "Google Image Result for Http://todaysseniorsnetwork.com/Lungs X Ray.jpg." Google. Web.
29 Mar. 2011.
 "Google Image Result for Http://www.thehorse.com/images/content/1106/horse_rider.jpg."
Google. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 "Vintage American Junior Red Cross Tab Back Tin Button, Prices." ShopMania - Price
Comparison in US, Read Reviews, Compare Prices. Web. 29 Mar. 2011.
 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/972492-overview
 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/972492-overview
 http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/human-metapneumovirus/