Union health minister JP Nadda assures that the HMPV virus is not new and has been circulating since 2001. Despite rising cases in Karnataka and Gujarat, the health ministry and experts are monitoring the situation closely. Nadda emphasizes there is no reason to worry as health systems are vigilant and ready to respond to any emerging health challenges.

Several individuals are feared to be trapped in a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, officials say. The exact number of people affected is unknown. Rescue operations are underway with assistance from the army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

India on Monday reported three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as two infants in Bengaluru and one infant in Ahmedabad tested positive for the virus.