This Article

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the viruses that causes the common cold.  

While anyone can catch hMPV, infants, older adults, and those with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness. Extra care should be taken to protect at-risk groups and health care workers from any respiratory infections. 

Public health advice 

• Residential aged care facilities are encouraged to reported Acute respiratory infections to the Local Public Health Unit via health.protection@awh.org.au  

• Clinical vigilance requires monitoring for respiratory symptoms, identifying pneumonia complications, and using PCR testing to differentiate HMPV from other respiratory illness. Containment using immediate isolation of symptomatic residents, encouragement of strict PPE. Public health actions involve reporting outbreaks, cohorting staff, and enhancing environmental cleaning measures. 

• Management of Acute respiratory guidelines should be followed - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/publications/management-of-acute-respiratory-infection-outbreaks-including-covid-19-and-influenza