Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged as a significant respiratory pathogen, requiring increased surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and global monitoring to mitigate potential outbreaks.
This review highlights the emerging threat of HMPV and emphasizes the importance of surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and pandemic preparedness for its containment.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged as a significant respiratory pathogen, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Although HMPV is commonly associated with mild to moderate respiratory illness, its potential to cause severe disease has raised concerns and has alarmed the global public health. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of HMPV epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and available therapeutic options. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for the containment of HMPV, including preventive measures, surveillance programs, and the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies, with a focus on the International Health Regulations (IHR) and pandemic preparedness activities. • Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged as a significant respiratory pathogen, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals in recent times. • In 2025, HMPV infections continued to rise, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. • Although HMPV is commonly associated with mild to moderate respiratory illness, its potential to cause severe disease has raised concerns and has alarmed the global public health. • Increased surveillance and global monitoring along with Improved awareness and rapid diagnostics are crucial for mitigating any outbreaks of HMPV.
Gnanasekaran et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged as a significant respiratory pathogen, requiring increased surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and global monitoring to mitigate potential outbreaks.