The samples of 26 suspected cases have been collected by a team of expert micro-biologists at the local Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), which was identified as the state's sole laboratory equipped to handle and analyse the samples.

At the institute, only one sample has tested positive till now. But two more residents of Noida in Uttar Pradesh -- adjacent to the national capital -- have also tested positive and are being treated at hospitals in New Delhi.

'The only case confirmed so far is that of five-year-old Hasan, who had arrived from London. But we cannot rule out the possibility of more,' SGPGIMS microbiology department head S. Dhole told IANS.

'Even though the cost of each sample test runs up to about Rs.5,000, the government has provided us with sufficient facilities to carry out the tests free of charge,' he added.

Dhole, however, emphasised the need for greater preventive measures, creating awareness and improvement in sanitation and basic hygiene.

'Much of the problem would be contained with change in the weather. If there is less humidity in the coming days, the virus would not get a chance to grow that rapidly,' he said.