Experts Clarify Concerns Over Human Coronavirus HKU1 Following Kolkata Case
New Delhi: Following reports of a woman in Kolkata testing positive for Human Coronavirus HKU1, health experts have reassured that the virus has been known for nearly two decades and is unlikely to cause a widespread outbreak.
HKU1, first identified in 2004 at Hong Kong University, belongs to the coronavirus family and can infect both humans and animals. It is also referred to as Betacoronavirus hongkonense.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee at IMA Cochin, told IANS that HKU1 is distinct from Covid-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
"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," he said.
Dr Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS that HKU1 is not expected to cause large-scale infections.
"As per current understanding, HKU1 is a coronavirus subtype. It is less likely to cause any widespread infection," he added.
HKU1 is one of four coronaviruses that commonly cause cold-like symptoms, alongside NL63, OC43, and 229E. In contrast, three other coronaviruses—SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV—are linked to severe illnesses.
According to Dr Jayadevan, HKU1 generally causes mild symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. However, in vulnerable individuals, it can lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
"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 said.
A 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital found that HKU1, along with NL63, OC43, and 229E, accounted for 4.3% of infections in a group of 250 children.
A 45-year-old woman from Garia, Kolkata, was recently diagnosed with HKU1 after experiencing fever, cough, and cold for over two weeks. However, doctors have confirmed that her condition remains stable.
Dr Jayadevan told that HKU1 is rarely tested for in India, stating, "Since the virus is not commonly tested for, it is meaningless to say it wasn't found in India."
HKU1 primarily spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission from coughing or sneezing.
"Viruses tend to stick to commonly touched surfaces, so washing hands with soap and water after returning from public places is a good habit," Dr Jayadevan added.
He also advised people at higher risk to take extra precautions, as respiratory infections can sometimes become severe.
Dr Salve stressed the importance of maintaining strong surveillance systems, stating, "There is a need to keep the surveillance system robust as preparatory measures against such viruses."
(with inputs from IANS)