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The Conversation
The Conversation
John V. Williams, Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is filling ICUs this spring – a pediatric infectious disease specialist explains this little-known virus

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, peaks in North America from February to May, just on the heels of flu season. martin-dm/E+ via Getty Images

In the year 2000, Dutch scientists went on a mission of exploration – not to discover lands or riches, but to identify unknown causes of acute respiratory infections.

These illnesses, from the common cold to pneumonia, have been a plague on mankind throughout history. Most are caused by viruses, so if you’ve ever been told “you probably have a virus” by a clinician, they were likely correct. However, respiratory illnesses can be much more severe than simple colds.

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