New coronavirus variant HKU-1 detected in Kolkata, experts urge caution

Kolkata: A new variant of the coronavirus, HKU-1, has been identified in Kolkata, raising fresh concerns over Covid. A 49-year-old woman from Garia was admitted to a private hospital in south Kolkata after experiencing fever for 15 consecutive days.

Tests confirmed that she was infected with HKU-1, a less severe but still concerning strain of the virus.

The patient was initially admitted to R.N. Hospital and is currently undergoing treatment at Tagore Hospital. Dr. Arindam Biswas said, “Secondary pneumonia was initially detected.

She had a high fever for the last 15 days. The patient has no travel history. It is not related to SARS-CoV-2, but it is another strain of coronavirus, HKU-1. We have given her a heavy dose of antibiotics, and she is recovering now. She is expected to be discharged on Tuesday.”

Health experts have urged caution to prevent the spread of the new variant.