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Published on: November 10, 2023
A summer outbreak of human metapneumovirus infection in a long-term-care facility
Janice K Louie1, David P Schnurr, Chao-Yang Pan
1California Department of Health Services, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. JLouie@dhs.ca.gov
Abstract:
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a recently discovered paramyxovirus, is thought to be primarily a winter-spring pathogen affecting young children with a clinical presentation similar to that of respiratory syncytial virus. In June-July 2006, a respiratory outbreak in a long-term-care facility was reported to the local health department and investigated. Surveillance identified 26 residents and 13 staff with acute respiratory illness; 8 residents (31%) developed radiographically confirmed pneumonia, and 2 (5%) were hospitalized. Five of 14 respiratory specimens were positive by polymerase chain reaction assay for hMPV; sequencing identified genotype A. In institutionalized elderly persons, hMPV may be an important cause of respiratory outbreaks year-round.
Insights
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) caused a respiratory outbreak in a long-term care facility, affecting elderly residents and staff. This finding suggests hMPV is a significant cause of year-round respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus often associated with respiratory infections in young children.
- Clinical presentation of hMPV resembles that of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Limited data exists on hMPV outbreaks in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a respiratory outbreak in a long-term-care facility.
- To identify the causative agent of the outbreak.
- To assess the clinical impact of hMPV in institutionalized elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance of residents and staff for acute respiratory illness.
- Radiographic confirmation of pneumonia.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for hMPV detection.
- Sequencing for hMPV genotyping.
Main Results:
- 26 residents and 13 staff members experienced acute respiratory illness.
- Pneumonia was confirmed in 8 residents (31%).
- Two residents (5%) required hospitalization.
- hMPV, genotype A, was identified in 5 of 14 tested specimens.
Conclusions:
- hMPV can cause significant respiratory outbreaks in institutionalized elderly populations.
- The virus may be a year-round threat in LTCFs, not limited to winter-spring seasons.
- hMPV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory illness in older adults in long-term care settings.
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