A 49-year-old woman from South Kolkata was found infected by human coronavirus HKU1. She is currently receiving treatment and her condition is stable. Experts said the virus has been known for at least two decades and is less likely to cause any widespread infection. It is an RNA virus and was named after Hong Kong University where it was originally described in 2004.
The treating physician at RN Tagore Hospital, Dr. Arindam Biswas said, “Initially, secondary pneumonia was detected. She had been experiencing high fever for the last 15 days. There is no travel history for the patient. This is not related to SARS-CoV-2, but it is another strain of coronavirus, HKU-1. We have administered a high dose of antibiotics, and she is recovering well.”
WHAT IS HUMAN CORONAVIRUS?
Betacoronavirus hongkonense, commonly known as human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), is a viral infection that is a part of the coronavirus family that affects humans and animals. “HKU1 is one of several common cold-causing viruses that belong to the coronavirus group. It is not the same as Covid-19 and is not a new virus,” Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman, Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin told IANS.
Global studies show that most children have had at least one infection from HKU1 by 3-4 years of age. “Most children get exposed to these viruses while growing up. But immunity against coronaviruses is not long-lasting, which means repeated infections are the norm,” Dr. Jayadevan added. As per a 2021 study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, HKU1 along with NL63, OC43, 229E accounted for 4.3% of infection in a group of 250 children.
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT OPTIONS
HKU1 spreads mainly by contact, and also through the air by standing close to someone who is coughing or sneezing. Vulnerable people should take extra precautions. In most cases, HCoV-HKU1 causes common cold but severe infection can result in pneumonia and breathing difficulty. It causes milder infection than SARS and MERS virus. Most patients will have flu-like symptoms with runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache and fever. Infants, young children and senior citizens are more vulnerable to complications.
Currently, there is no vaccine for HKU1. Basic coughing and sneezing etiquettes, avoiding contact with a patient with flu-like illnesses and a healthy diet should be followed. The treatment is symptomatic with paracetamol and antihistamines. Hydration and rest are important.
