Lesser-known virus is on the rise in Boise. What is human metapneumovirus?
A respiratory virus has been hammering Boise — and it’s not COVID-19 or the flu.
As of Wednesday, March 4, there were “high concentrations” of human metapneumovirus in West Boise as well as some cases on the east side of the city, according to the latest data from the WastewaterSCAN dashboard.
WastewaterSCAN said it “tests samples of solids from municipal wastewater for targets associated with infectious diseases.”
Human metapneumovirus can “cause upper and lower respiratory illness in people of all ages, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Here’s what to know:
What is human metapneumovirus?
Human metapneumovirus is a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
For most people, the virus feels like having the common cold.
However, it can lead to complications such as croup and pneumonia.
Although the first case of HMPV in humans was confirmed in 2001, scientists say the virus has been spreading among humans for at least 50 years, the clinic said.
“HMPV is in the same family of viruses as respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV,” the Mayo Clinic said.
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How common is human metapneumovirus?
Human metapneumovirus is extremely common, according to WebMD.
Most people are likely to have an infection at least once before age 5, experts say, and you can be infected multiple times in your life.
The virus makes up about one in 10 of all respiratory infections, and anyone can catch it.
Infections are most common during winter through spring, the CDC said, although HMPV infections can occur year-round.
What are common symptoms of human metapneumovirus?
The symptoms of HMPV are a lot like those of influenza or common cold — cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and headache, the World Health Organization said.
Less common symptoms can include voice changes, eye or ear infection and a rash that comes and goes, the Mayo Clinic said.
Symptoms usually go away in two to five days, WebMD said.
If they last more than two weeks, you should contact your doctor.
Who’s at risk of becoming seriously sick?
While most people recover fairly quickly from HMPV, some are more vulnerable to the virus.
According to WebMD, these groups are at higher risk of infection:
- Newborns
- Children under age 5
- People older than 65
- People with asthma who use steroids
- People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- People with weakened immune systems due to cancer, HIV and other conditions
“People who have a weakened immune system or other medical conditions, or who are very young or old, are more likely to get seriously sick from HMPV,” the Mayo Clinic said.
What are complications from HMPV?
Possible complications from HMPV can include croup, pneumonia, asthma attacks, middle ear infections, bronchiolitis and fever, the CDC said.
How does human metapneumovirus spread?
The virus mainly spreads from contact with infected people, WebMD said.
You also can be exposed by touching contaminated surfaces or touching your nose, mouth or eyes after touching infected surfaces.
Droplets sprayed by coughs or sneezes from an infected person can spread the virus, according to WebMD.
How can you prevent human metapneumovirus?
There is no vaccine for HMPV, the Mayo Clinic said, but you can take steps to try to avoid infections.
Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face, clean surfaces and avoid infected people, the site said.
How do you treat human metapneumovirus?
There are no antiviral treatments for HMPV, the CDC said.
The agency advises people with human metapneumovirus to drink plenty of liquids, stay home and rest.
How can I tell virus from flu or COVID-19?
“It is hard to tell different respiratory illnesses apart as they have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and congestion,“ the World Health Organization said.
However, treatment can differ, especially for people with the flu or COVID-19. Those viruses can be treated with antiviral medications.
Doctors may rule out these diagnoses with tests.
This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Lesser-known virus is on the rise in Boise. What is human metapneumovirus?."
