‘No need to panic’: Health minister on HMPV
Hindustan TimesState health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday sought to dispel concerns surrounding the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus in the state, saying that the virus is not new and does not pose a significant threat. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao chairs a meeting regarding the Human Metapneumovirus after two cases of the virus were detected in Bengaluru, Monday Speaking to the media, Rao clarified reports suggesting that Karnataka had recorded the first HMPV cases in India. “Based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness cases in the country,” the statement added. On the need for specific testing measures, Gundu Rao said, “It has yet to be decided if this is a serious public health concern and if PCR tests are required.