The new virus making news in China, India, Malaysia and other countries called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an enveloped virus causing flu-like illness in humans. As a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, HMPV is an RNA-virus, first identified in 2001 and somewhat related to the Influenza virus (which belongs to Orthomyxoviridae). Currently there is no vaccine or antiviral with proven efficacy against HMPV. Preventive measures like hand washing, masking and isolation are advised for protection.
Immunocompromised people like hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are prone to develop serious and fatal infection due to HMPV.
Read our article about HMPV infection in HSCT recipients by clicking the link here.