Man Hospitalized with Rare Virus after Monkey Bite in Hong Kong
The Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong has disclosed that a rare virus has left a 37-year-old man in critical condition in intensive care after diagnosis.
The virus, known as herpesvirus simiae or ‘B virus’, naturally resides in the urine, feces, and saliva of macaques, commonly encountered in various public areas across Hong Kong.
As per the patient’s family, the man sustained an injury from one of the animals during his visit to Hong Kong’s Kam Shan Country Park, commonly referred to as Monkey Hill, in late February.
A month later, he developed fever and reduced consciousness, leading to his presentation at Yan Chai Hospital and subsequent admission to the intensive care unit. As of April 3, there have been no additional official updates on his condition.
Unprecedented Case Highlights Unforeseen Risk in Hong Kong
Considering the frequent interactions between humans and monkeys in the city, it’s surprising that this case marks the first occurrence in Hong Kong. However, the virus, herpesvirus simiae or ‘B virus’, which shares structural similarities with herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, is not as adapted to the human body as it is to macaques.
Since the initial recorded human infection in 1932, only 50 individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control in the US, 21 of those who contracted the virus have died.
Without treatment, the mortality rate surpasses 70 percent for those infected, but survival rates have significantly improved over the years with the advent of antiviral therapy. However, this improvement doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely. Just three years ago, in 2021, a 53-year-old veterinarian based in Beijing became the first documented fatality from the B virus in China.
Symptoms and Severity of B Virus Infections
Fatalities usually result from inflammation in the central nervous system, as the virus triggers swelling of the brain and spinal cord. In milder cases, patients exhibit flu-like symptoms such as fevers, fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches, and in some instances, they may experience shortness of breath, abdominal pains, and even hiccups.
While tourists find monkey behaviors entertaining, the close interaction between animal and human populations increases the risk of potentially lethal viruses emerging.
Although B virus currently faces challenges in making a significant leap between species, it may only require minor adaptations to become capable of spreading as readily as other herpesvirus strains.
Currently, B virus poses a rare and peculiar threat. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to maintain a safe distance from macaques in any situation, not only for human safety but also for the well-being of the animals.
Read the original article on: Science Alert
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