The Maharashtra government on Monday issued health advisory after two cases of HMPV were reported in Bengaluru and another case in Ahmedabad. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council of Medical Research detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka.

The third case was reported in Ahmedabad when a two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital was detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday.

The Maharashtra health department said that no case of HMPV has been detected in the state.

In the wake of these developments, the Maharashtra health department issued a precautionary advisory even as the Union health ministry assured that it was closely monitoring the situation, with updates from WHO.

In the advisory, the state health department urged people to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, to wash hands frequently with soap, water, or alcohol-based sanitiser , to stay away from public places if anyone has a fever, cough, or sneeze, drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious diet and maintain adequate ventilation in all areas to reduce infection.

The Maharashtra government urged people to avoid handshake, tissue paper and handkerchief recycling, close contact with sick people, frequent touching of eyes, nose and mouth, spitting in public places, and medicines without doctor's advice.

The Maharashtra health department officials assured that there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV reports from China.

The Maharashtra government said the HMPV situation is being closely monitored in coordination with National Centre for Disease Control and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.