Rare Human Coronavirus HKU1 Detected in Kolkata Woman. Should You Be Concerned? Know Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Human Coronavirus in Kolkata: Studies reveal that most children are exposed to HKU1 by the age of 3-4 years.

A 49-year-old woman from Kolkata, West Bengal, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1, a relatively uncommon strain of the virus.

The patient, a resident of Garia, South Kolkata, was admitted to a private hospital after experiencing constant fever for 15 days. Notably, she had no recent travel history.

According to Dr. Arindam Biswas, who was treating her, initial tests indicated secondary pneumonia. “She had been running a high fever for over two weeks. This is not linked to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) but is a different strain of coronavirus, HKU1. We administered a high dose of antibiotics, and she is now recovering well,” he stated.

What is Human Coronavirus HKU1?
HKU1 is a Betacoronavirus, first identified in 2004 at Hong Kong University. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which caused the Covid-19 pandemic, HKU1 is not a new virus and has been known for at least two decades.

“HKU1 is one of several coronaviruses that cause the common cold. It is not a newly emerging virus,” said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin.

Studies reveal that most children are exposed to HKU1 by the age of 3-4 years. However, immunity to coronaviruses is not long-lasting, leading to repeated infections throughout life.

A 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital found that HKU1, along with other common coronaviruses NL63, OC43, and 229E, accounted for 4.3% of infections in a study of 250 children.

Symptoms of HKU1 Infection

In most cases, HKU1 causes mild cold-like symptoms, but in rare instances, it can lead to severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Common symptoms include:
Runny nose,
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Fever

Severe cases may result in breathing difficulties, especially in:

Infants and young children

Elderly individuals

People with weakened immune systems (e.g., diabetics, cancer patients, lung disease patients)
How Does HKU1 Spread?

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets (when an infected person coughs or sneezes), direct contact with contaminated surfaces and close contact with an infected person.

Is There a Treatment for HKU1?
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HKU1. Management includes:Symptomatic relief (paracetamol, antihistamines)

Rest and hydration

Basic respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose while sneezing/coughing)

While influenza vaccination does not protect against HKU1, experts recommend getting the latest flu vaccine once available for 2025-26.

Should We Be Concerned?
Experts emphasise that there is no need to panic. Unlike SARS and MERS, HKU1 infections are generally mild and do not lead to widespread outbreaks.

However, vulnerable individuals should take extra precautions to avoid severe illness.

With the world currently witnessing a surge in influenza cases, Dr. Monica Mahajan, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Healthcare, said that mutations in the influenza virus and herd immunity from widespread Covid-19 vaccinations have made influenza the predominant virus in circulation.

While the discovery of HKU1 in a Kolkata patient is notable, experts assure that it is not a cause for panic. Maintaining good hygiene, proper handwashing, and flu prevention measures can help minimize the risk of infection.

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