Wastewater traces reveal West Coast surge of HMPV virus

A little-known respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), is surging on the West Coast, with wastewater surveillance showing elevated activity in Northern California and a January peak; there is no vaccine or specific treatment, and the virus can cause cough, fever and breathing difficulties, posing higher risks to young children, older adults and the immunocompromised, while data also show rising activity in the Midwest and Northeast per CDC surveillance.