The virus, which was first isolated in 2001, is just like any other respiratory virus that spreads through air, entering the body via nose, mouth, or eyes after one comes in close contact with an infected person.

India confirmed its first cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in children, with a total of seven cases reported as of Tuesday. The cases were reported in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Tamil Nadu

A handful of cases of the Human Metapneumovirus have been confirmed in India but officials say there's no cause for alarm, according to multiple reports.