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Life-threatening/ What we need to know about the B virus, found in monkeys

2024-04-19 10:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA
Life-threatening/ What we need to know about the B virus, found in monkeys
Illustrative photo

A rare human case of the B virus, also known as herpes B or "monkey virus", has been confirmed in Hong Kong, according to local health authorities. 

The Center for Health Protection (CHP) in the territory confirmed that a 37-year-old male in good health was initially admitted to the accident and emergency department of Yan Chai Hospital on March 21 for treatment after he had a fever and decreased level of consciousness. 

But then he reached a critical condition and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit where he was receiving treatment, reports Euronews. 

The man was reported to have been injured by wild monkeys in Hong Kong's Kam Shan Country Park, a scenic hilltop also known as Monkey Hill, in late February. Tests performed by the CHP determined that the patient was suffering from the B virus.

What is B virus?

Also known as herpes simiae virus, B virus is found in monkeys and is a zoonotic disease - transmitted from animals to humans - like rabies or Trichinella.

In simple terms, B virus is the monkey's version of human herpes: about 70 percent of macaques carry the virus, some get sores similar to human herpes, and others show no symptoms at all.

But that's where the comparison ends, because outside of its natural host, the B virus is deadly not only to other species like chimpanzees, but also to humans.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is found in the saliva, urine and feces of infected macaque monkeys, with bites or scratches that can cause animal-to-human transmission.

But B virus in humans remains extremely rare, with 50 reported cases - of which 21 were fatal - since its discovery in 1932. Furthermore, only one case of human-to-human infection has been documented./ CNA





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