Abstract Background Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus which can cause acute respiratory tract infections in young, older, and immunocompromised patients. We report a cluster of respiratory illnesses due to hMPV in a Veterans’ Affairs affiliated secure geriatric mental health residential unit.Table,Cases of human metapneumovirusOutline of cases in the nursing home Methods A retrospective analysis of an outbreak of hMPV in a 30-bed secure geriatric mental health residential unit in February-March 2025. Cases were confirmed via nasopharyngeal respiratory real-time multiplex PCR panel. Case definition included a resident with new onset respiratory complaints and positive PCR test. Clinical presentation, laboratory data and outcome were reviewed in each case. Results The unit houses 25 residents in 17 rooms (single and double room). Eight residents tested positive for hMPV from 2/24 to 3/6/25. All residents were men with ages ranging from 71 to 84 years. On February 24th four cases were identified. Figure 1 depicts the unit and locations of cases. All had mild symptoms and received supportive care, and no one required hospitalization. Case 1 had a visit from his wife a week prior who had congestion and was then diagnosed with COVID-19. Case 1 shares a room with case 3 and a bathroom with case 2. Case 4 is a mobile resident often visiting other residents’ rooms. Case 1 died on hospice on March 11th. Aggressive infection control measures were implemented: halting of admissions; all symptomatic residents were tested; common dining was halted. encouraging residents to remain in their room; teaching respiratory etiquette; enforcing strict hand hygiene and symptomatic residents leaving the residential unit had to wear a mask; terminal cleaning of virus-contaminated surfaces or objects; discouraging floating of staff, directing ill employees to stay home. Conclusion We hypothesize that case 1 was infected by his wife, although we don’t have evidence of coinfection (COVID and hMPV). Patients eat together in a communal setting. Cases 1-4 eat at the same table and is likely how others were exposed, hence common dining was halted. hMPV can cause a serious outbreak in residential (nursing) homes. Infection control preventionists can have an instrumental role in rapid recognition of an outbreak and strategically implement targeted measures to halt the outbreak. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
Bailey et al. (2026) studied this question.