Kolkata woman diagnosed with rare human coronavirus: How does HKU1 spread and who are at risk?

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A 45-year-old woman has been diagnosed with a rare human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in south Kolkata. Doctors said her condition is currently stable.

What is human coronavirus HKU1?

Human coronavirus HKU1 is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system. It was first discovered in 2005 and is part of the same family as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. However, HKU1 is usually not as dangerous as these viruses.

“There are many kinds of coronaviruses. But unlike Covid-19, which was a novel virus when the outbreak happened, HKU-1 was first identified in 2005 as a rare isolate. So, you cannot call it a novel virus. Evidence indicates it is evolving steadily in humans, probably the only known reservoir. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives and these last for a limited duration. So there is no need to panic over it,” says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi said while speaking to The Indian Express.

Symptoms of human coronavirus

Mostly, people experience symptoms like regular flu and common cold, which includes malaise, persistent cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, blocked sinuses, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and fever, usually low grade. In severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia or bronchitis. Since it infects cells along the airways, it can descend to the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia.

How does HKU1 spread?

Similar to the flu or common cold, this virus spreads primarily in three ways:

1. Through coughs and sneezes: The virus can enter your body if an infected individual coughs or sneezes close to you.

2. By coming into contact with infected surfaces: The virus can survive on objects like door handles, phones, or tables. If you touch these and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, you might get infected.

3. Close contact with an infected person: Proximity to an infected person raises your risk.

Who is at risk?

Vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immuno-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be vigilant for severe manifestation of the disease.

Precautions

As of now, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for human coronaviruses. Experts suggest taking precautions such as washing hands regularly, wearing a mask in crowded places and eating healthy food.