Hong Kong Reports First Case Of Virus B Due To Contact With Monkeys

UNSPLASH/Andre Mouton ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Hong Kong reported its first case of infection with virus B due to contact with monkeys, according to the Health Protection Center.

The case happened to a 37-year-old man with a good medical history.

He was taken to Yan Chai Hospital on March 21 due to fever and decreased consciousness, and is currently being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) due to his critical condition.

The serebrospinal mani liquid tested positive for virus B, also known as the herpes simiae virus, the health center said in a statement reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, April 4.

According to information from his family members and initial investigations, the patient was injured after making contact with wild monkeys during a visit to Kam Shan Rural Park in late February.

Hong Kong people are advised not to make contact or feed wild monkeys to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Infection with virus B is mainly caused by bite or monkey scratch, while human-to-human transmission is very rare.