Highly contagious virus with no treatment spreading rapidly through western state

The virus peaked sharply in January and remains elevated in early March, although the seasonal winter wave is now tapering.

HMPV is in the same viral family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and was first discovered in 2001, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

The National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), part of the CDC, monitors samples of wastewater (sewage) for viruses and bacteria to detect infection patterns in communities.

The wastewater data also show that HMPV is rising sharply in the Midwest and Northeast.

Those at highest risk of severe illness, such as pneumonia, include young children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised. It leads to over 650,000 hospitalizations yearly worldwide, according to Siegel.

Adults with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can experience complications of their illness if they contract HMPV. 

"It can worsen chronic lung conditions," Siegel confirmed.

HMPV is most commonly reported from winter through spring.