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HMPV Activity Climbs Across U.S., Reaching 5% of Positive Respiratory Tests

Surveillance points to a seasonal peak carrying from winter into spring.

Stock image: an unwell woman sits up in bed, coughing.
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Overview

  • CDC data show HMPV positivity rose from 0.42% in late September to 5.37% for the week of March 7, with roughly 5% of positive respiratory tests nationwide in early March.
  • WastewaterSCAN reports heightened detections across several regions, with notable concentrations in California, the Northeast and parts of the Midwest.
  • The current surge began in November 2025 and is tracking faster than the same period last year, with activity expected to remain elevated into April.
  • HMPV typically causes cold‑like symptoms and can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia, posing greater risk to infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
  • There is no vaccine or specific antiviral; experts advise hygiene, improved indoor air and staying current on vaccines for influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumococcus to reduce severe outcomes.