Outbreak of human metapneumovirus infection in a residential aged care facility

Summer outbreaks of respiratory illness in residential aged care facilities are uncommonly reported in New South Wales. A respiratory illness outbreak in an aged care facility during January 2008 prompted a response to contain the outbreak by implementing infection control measures, including cohorting of symptomatic residents, cohorting nursing care, closure to new admissions and the use of personal protective equipment by staff. In addition, respiratory tract specimens were collected to determine the causative agent. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was detected by polymerase chain reaction assay in 3 specimens with no other respiratory pathogens found. This is the 1st reported outbreak of hMPV in an aged care facility in Australia. hPMV should be considered as the possible cause of outbreaks in aged care facilities when influenza and respiratory syncytial virus have been excluded.