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CDC: Human metapneumovirus outbreaks identified in West Virginia, Idaho
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Two human metapneumovirus outbreaks caused severe respiratory illness and six deaths at two skilled nursing facilities in West Virginia and Idaho in the winter of 2012, according to findings published in MMWR.
Influenza was initially considered the cause of outbreak, but upon further CDC investigation, blood tests were positive for human metapneumovirus (HMPV). HMPV can cause symptomatic recurring infections throughout life, especially among older adults.
Among 57 cases of respiratory illness from both facilities, 45 patients (79%) had lower respiratory tract infections and five (9%) had upper respiratory tract infections. Of those with lower respiratory tract infections, 25 (56%) had pneumonia. Six (11%) patients died.
Nasopharyngeal specimens from 14 patients in West Virginia were tested for influenza and bacterial growth, all of which tested negative. The CDC received nine specimens. Of those, six tested positive for HMPV. Among the patients who tested positive for HMPV, five had lower respiratory tract infections, of whom three also had pneumonia. One of the four patients who died tested positive for HMPV.
In Idaho, nasopharyngeal specimens from nine patients were collected; HMPV was detected in six of them. Among the patients who tested positive for HMPV, all had lower respiratory tract infections, and three had pneumonia. One of the two patients who died tested positive for HMPV.
These outbreaks demonstrate the association between HMPV and lower respiratory tract infections. The CDC recommends that HMPV should be considered as a possible cause of respiratory outbreaks in nursing facilities.
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