Spike in childhood human metapneumovirus infections in Western Australia linked to reduced COVID-19 measures hMPV COVID19 pediatric hospitals viralresurgence testingpatterns metapneumovirus JPCHonline
By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.May 31 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Human metapneumovirus causes acute respiratory tract infections in children. This virus exhibits seasonal variations, with a surge in infection rates often reported during the spring in the sub-tropical and temperate regions.
Background Like many regions worldwide, WA closed interstate and international borders in early 2020. Subsequently, in mid-2020, a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed. Throughout this period, SARS-CoV-2 community detection was rare. In addition to SARS-CoV-2, NPIs also disrupted the transmission of other respiratory viruses. For example, no respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus transmission was observed through winter in 2020; however, an out-of-season increase in RSV transmission was observed between the summer of 2020 and 2021.
Related StoriesThis retrospective cohort study included children under sixteen years of age with respiratory-coded inpatient admissions after being brought to the Emergency Department at Princess Margaret/Perth Children's Hospital between 2017 and 2021. Respiratory virus testing data for the same period was obtained and matched with admitted pediatric patients.
Between 2017 and 2019, seasonal variations in all-cause respiratory-coded admissions were observed. The number of admissions declined after the implementation of COVID-19-related NPIs in 2020, which was followed by an out-of-season increase in respiratory-coded admissions in late 2020; notably, a surge in RSV infection was documented. For 12 months from week 13 of 2020, no hMPV-positive admissions were recorded following the implementation of NPIs.
Compared to the 2017-2019 period, children with hMPV-positive admissions were older in 2021. The maximum incidence of hMPV infection was observed in children between one and four years of age.
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