In Tamil Nadu, two cases of human metapneumovirus have been identified. One person has been identified in Chennai and the other one in Salem. In a press release, the state government said this is not a new virus, already identified in 2001. It said, the infection is typically self-limiting and manageable and there was no need to panic. Two persons who have tested positive for the virus have been stable and they are being monitored. Quoting the alert given by the Union Health Ministry, the state Government said that prevention is similar to any other respiratory infection such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and reporting to health facility was important during this period.