India has logged a total of 7 cases of the highly infectious HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus). However, the government has said that the virus is not new and India has faced it earlier as well. Scroll down for all the latest updates.

While the Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm, the Delhi government directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses.

To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons.

HMPV, a respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, hit headlines last week first with unconfirmed reports of a surge in infections in China surfaced. HMPV was confirmed in India on Monday with three cases being detected.