The Karnataka state government is taking immediate measures to prevent the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after confirming two cases. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao leads discussions on control strategies,

ICMR agrees with the minister, says none of the two cases has history of foreign travel and there is no surge in respiratory illness in the country

Karnataka health officials confirm Indian variant HMPV cases, reassuring public with prompt action and monitoring.

The State Health Department on Tuesday issued an advisory on HMPV after a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.

As HMPV cases have been rising in different parts of the world, state governments in India have started issuing specific guidelines to manage and control its spread.

An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said. It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.

Various states, including the governments of Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, issued an advisory and assured people that there was no cause for alarm. The Delhi government directed all hospitals to remain fully prepared to manage the surge in respiratory cases.

The flu-like virus can lead to serious illness among vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday confirmed that two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been detected in Karnataka, reports ANI. These cases were identified through the ICMR's routine surveillance for various respiratory viruses,