The Himachal Pradesh government has issued directives to implement the Union Health Ministry's advisory on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) to ensure preparedness across the state.

Gujarat reported another case of HMPV or human metapneumovirus infection in Ahmedabad city on Thursday, January 9, after an 80-year-old man tested positive for the respiratory virus. This is the first case in India where an elderly has been found infected with HMPV.

The Gujarat government issued an advisory asking people to cover their face while sneezing, avoid going to crowded places, keep distance from flu-infected persons, get adequate sleep and drink water as much as possible and contact a doctor for any respiratory issues.

Earlier today, the Union Health Ministry said that the ICMR had detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

While the Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm, the Delhi government directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses.

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

HMPV, a respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, hit headlines last week first with unconfirmed reports of a surge in infections in China surfaced. HMPV was confirmed in India on Monday with three cases being detected.