Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: ICMR detects two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance, and more

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

Both cases that tested positive for HMPV were babies, who had a history of bronchopneumonia, and were admitted at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. These are the first cases of HMPV detected in the country after China reported a surge in HMPV cases. While a three-month-old female baby has recovered and been discharged, another eight-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, after being admitted to the same hospital, is now recovering.

According to officials from the Union Health Ministry, it is important to note that neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel. Assuring that there is no need to panic as HMPV was an existing vires, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the strain of virus detected in the babies is not yet known as there is no data available so far on the strain detected in China. 

Bengaluru’s ambitious plan to tackle the hazardous issue of leachate management faces critical shortcomings, as per the evaluation of experts. While the project aims to align with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2024 and adopt global best practices, experts say fundamental gaps in planning, environmental considerations, and community involvement could hinder its success and long-term sustainability. 

The proposal to set up treatment plants at Mittaganahalli and Kannur landfill sites was prepared by RITES Limited, a public sector enterprise operating under the Ministry of Railways. According to the estimation in the report, ₹553 crore will be the cost to treat 3,306.00 million litres. The time required for the proposed treatment will be three to four years.

Shivamogga police have arrested a person from Bhadravati on the charge of sending suspicious parcels to three persons — S.N. Nagaraj, secretary of National Education Institute, and two psychiatrists — in the name of BJP MLC Dr. Dhananjay Sarji. Souharda Patel (26) allegedly sent the parcels which looked like sweet boxes and a covering letter with new year greetings from Mr. Sarji.

After an investigation, the police found that Souharda, who was under treatment for depression, had packed sweets laced with anti-depressants over personal differences with the trio. He had been angry with Mr. Nagaraj since his days as a student in one of the colleges run by the society. He had also consulted the two psychiatrists for his mental health issues.