What is human coronavirus HKU1 detected in Kolkata woman
What's the story
A 49-year-old woman in Kolkata has tested positive for the human coronavirus HKU1, reports state.
The patient had been battling a persistent fever, along with cough and cold for the last 15 days before she was brought in for treatment.
She is now stable and being treated at a private hospital in South Kolkata.
The hospital confirmed it was an isolated case, but advised caution to check any possible spread.
Virus profile
HKU1: A closer look at the virus
Human coronavirus HKU1 or Betacoronavirus hongkonense affects the lungs and respiratory system.
First discovered in 2005, it falls under the same family as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
This virus infects humans and animals. Contrary to COVID-19, which triggered a global pandemic due to its novelty at the time of emergence, HKU1 isn't new and most people are infected by it sometime in their lives.
Spread and symptoms
Symptoms and transmission of HKU1
Symptoms of HKU1 are similar to those of regular flu- runny nose, fever, coughing, wheezing, headache, and sore throat.
In severe cases or if untreated, it can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
The virus spreads like other coronaviruses, through respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces followed by touching one's face (mouth/nose).
Prevention
Preventive measures and management of HKU1
There's no vaccine or particular treatment yet for human coronaviruses such as HKU1. However, management of symptoms can make for a comfortable recovery, since it's a self-limiting illness that resolves itself.
To avoid transmission, experts have suggested adhering to COVID-era guidelines like regularly washing hands, wearing masks in crowded places, covering mouth/nose while sneezing, and avoiding touching face if hands are dirty.