A Review of Respiratory Infection Caused by the Human Metapneumovirus: Occurrence, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Public Health Outcomes, and Intervention Strategies

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections, particularly in children, older adults, and individuals with immunocompromising conditions. Despite increasing global recognition of its clinical relevance, a comprehensive understanding of hMPV's epidemiology, pathogenesis, and intervention strategies remains limited. This review aims to summarize recent advances in hMPV research, highlight knowledge gaps, and outline future directions for research and public health preparedness. Methods We conducted a structured narrative review of peer‐reviewed literature on hMPV published between 2001 and 2025, with emphasis on recent studies (2015–2024). Databases searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles were selected based on relevance to epidemiological patterns, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, molecular virology, immunopathogenesis, and intervention strategies, including vaccine development. Results hMPV exhibits global circulation with distinct seasonal and regional patterns. Clinical manifestations often mimic other respiratory viruses, making differential diagnosis challenging. Although no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment currently exists, significant advances have been made in vaccine research, including live‐attenuated, subunit, and mRNA‐based platforms. Public health measures, including hygiene practices, surveillance, and community‐level interventions, have demonstrated effectiveness, particularly in low‐resource settings. Geographic disparities in diagnostic capacity and vaccine research highlight the need for more equitable global responses. Conclusion hMPV represents a substantial yet underrecognized burden on global respiratory health. While progress in understanding its molecular biology and vaccine development is encouraging, further research is needed to tailor interventions to diverse populations and the varying capacities of health systems. Strengthened surveillance, global equity in vaccine access, and improved awareness are critical to mitigating the long‐term public health impact of hMPV. The recent outbreaks of hMPV in China stress the urgency of these measures and the need to prioritize the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.