After running rampant through Northern California in recent weeks, human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, has been detected in the city of Santa Cruz, according to city wastewater data.
Wastewater samples show high levels of the virus, which causes familiar cold symptoms such as cough, fever and congestion, detected in the city over the past three months. County public health officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez said this season is typical for respiratory viruses of this nature.
“This is the time of the year when we are seeing lots of illnesses circulate,” said Hernandez. “We’ve been seeing the flu, and now we’re seeing higher levels of this respiratory virus detected in the wastewater.”
HMPV is nothing new. Discovered in 2001, HMPV is related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), produces similar respiratory symptoms to the flu or common cold, and is spread through contaminated surfaces, the air and person-to-person contact.
“It’s typically a mild disease,” said Hernandez. “However, some individuals can get quite sick with pneumonia or bronchitis symptoms, and that is something that we worry about, especially in people who are more high-risk.”
The high-risk pool includes children under the age of 5, older adults and anyone who is immunocompromised due to medications or medical conditions.
Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions are also susceptible to contracting severe symptoms. Hernandez urges the community to stay home if you’re sick and consider masking up even after you have recovered.
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