Udaipur, March 19, 2025 - A 45-year-old woman in Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1. She had been suffering from fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days. Human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) is a type of coronavirus that affects both humans and animals. It was first identified in Hong Kong in 2005. This virus is known to cause respiratory infections, including the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

HCoV-HKU1 is not the same as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It mainly causes mild respiratory infections but can sometimes lead to severe conditions like pneumonia. It is considered less dangerous than COVID-19.

The lady is currently in a private hospital in South Kolkata under medical supervision, and her condition is stable. The hospital has said that this is an isolated case but advised caution.

Symptoms of HCoV-HKU1

The symptoms of human coronavirus HKU1 are similar to the common cold and flu. These include: Persistent cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, sneezing, fatigue, headache. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or bronchitis, especially in older adults, young children, and people with weak immune systems.

How Does It Spread?

• Direct contact with respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing)

• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, nose, or mouth

• Close contact with an infected person

Doctors advise people to take precautions like washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick individuals to prevent its spread.

Source: Media Reports