human metapneumovirus

noun

plural human metapneumoviruses
: a pneumovirus (species Human metapneumovirus of the genus Metapneumovirus) that is related to the respiratory syncytial virus and causes respiratory infections typically characterized by cough, runny nose, fever, and nasal congestion but sometimes progressing to bronchiolitis and pneumonia
The exact prevalence of human metapneumovirus isn't known, but Yale University researchers recently found it in 6.4 percent of retested lab samples from 296 children with respiratory symptoms …Lindsey Tanner

Note: After being initially isolated from children in the Netherlands in 2001, human metapneumovirus was identified in blood specimens dating back to 1958. It is now recognized as a causative agent of respiratory infections worldwide.

abbreviation hMPV

Examples of human metapneumovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Researchers are now using his insight to create shots for other viruses, including another that causes respiratory illness, human metapneumovirus. TIME, 2 May 2024 Tests revealed Maisie had human metapneumovirus, which presents similar symptoms to a cold, McConnaughy said. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024 Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a spring spike of human metapneumovirus. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 4 June 2023 The percent of tests positive for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) surged to 19.6% for antigen tests and 10.9% percent for PCR tests at the beginning of March, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 May 2023 There are no vaccines to prevent human metapneumovirus or direct treatment for the virus, Assoumou said. Ashley Soebroto, BostonGlobe.com, 31 May 2023 What is human metapneumovirus, hMPV? Human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, is an infection that affects the upper and respiratory tract, according to the CDC. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 Origins of human metapneumovirus The human metapneumovirus was isolated from people with acute respiratory infection and sequenced in 2001 using a combination of specialized culture and molecular techniques. John V. Williams, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2023 Just under 20% of antigen tests and nearly 11% of PCR tests for human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, were positive in the US in early March, Insider reported. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 26 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'human metapneumovirus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human metapneumovirus was in 2001

Dictionary Entries Near human metapneumovirus

Cite this Entry

“Human metapneumovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20metapneumovirus. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

human metapneumovirus

noun
: a pneumovirus (species Human metapneumovirus of the genus Metapneumovirus) that is related to the respiratory syncytial virus and causes respiratory infections typically characterized by cough, rhinorrhea, fever, and nasal congestion but sometimes progressing to bronchiolitis and pneumonia
Human metapneumovirus may be underreported as a pathogen in bronchiolitis and may lead to admittance to intensive care, especially when it infects infants in combination with human respiratory syncytial virus, reported Malcolm G. Semple, M.D., of the University of Liverpool (England), and his associates.Jeff Evan, Family Practice News

Note: After being initially isolated from children in the Netherlands in 2001, human metapneumovirus was identified in blood specimens dating back to 1958. It is now recognized as a causative agent of respiratory infections worldwide.

abbreviation hMPV
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!