A 45-year-old woman in Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) after suffering from persistent fever, cough, and cold for 15 days. She is under medical supervision at a private hospital in South Kolkata, where her condition is stable. Although the hospital confirmed this as an isolated case, they have advised caution to prevent its spread.

HKU1, also known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense, is a species of coronavirus that affects both humans and animals. It is one of several coronaviruses, including 229E, NL63, and OC43, which cause mild respiratory illnesses like the common cold. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin, stated, "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. Harshal R. Salve, Additional Professor at AIIMS, New Delhi, emphasized that HKU1 does not pose a major public health risk. While it typically causes mild symptoms, it can lead to pneumonia in vulnerable individuals. Most children experience at least one infection with HKU1 by age 3-4.

Common human coronaviruses usually spread from an infected individual by coughing, sneezing, close contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces.