A familiar but resurging virus is making its way through California’s wastewater. Health officials are sounding the alarm after detecting “human metapneumovirus”—or HMPV—in several Northern California cities, including Santa Rosa and Napa.
While HMPV isn’t a new threat, experts say its seasonal timing was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Usually peaking between winter and spring, the virus is now showing up in high concentrations from San Francisco to Sacramento.
Symptoms often mirror the common cold or flu—including cough, fever, and congestion. However, health officials warn there is currently no vaccine for the virus, making hand-washing and staying home when sick the primary lines of defense for the community.
