Hong Kong’s first recorded human case of the deadly B virus has a patient fighting for his life in hospital following being attacked by a wild monkey, local media reported on Thursday.
The Health Protection Center announced on Wednesday night that a 37-year-old man was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on March 21 with worrying symptoms such as fever and a decreased level of consciousness, and that his condition is currently “ extremely delicate.”
The results of a test of the individual’s cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of the B virus, also known as “simiae virus.”
Preliminary investigation shed light on the possible origin of the patient’s infection and it was determined that he came into contact with wild monkeys during an excursion to Kam Shan Park in late February, where he suffered injuries.
Kam Shan Rural Park, known as “monkey hill,” is home to a notable population of approximately 1,800 macaques, accounting for nearly 85% of Hong Kong’s wild monkeys.
The excessive dependence of these animals on human food made them aggressive and prone to attacking to snatch food from unsuspecting visitors.
Given the seriousness of the patient, health authorities have been working to contain the spread of the virus and provide adequate medical care.
Epidemiological surveillance has been intensified and efforts are being carried out to identify the origin of the wild monkey that attacked the patient. The situation raises questions regarding the interaction between humans and wildlife in Hong Kong, as well as the need to implement additional measures to prevent future cases of contagion.
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Hong Kong begins investigation into monkey that infected patient
Primates infected with the B virus generally do not show symptoms, but in rare cases, this virus can cause a life-threatening illness in humans who have had mucosal or percutaneous contact (through bites, scratches, splashes, or needle sticks) with the B virus. saliva or other body fluids of primates.
In cases of untreated infections, approximately 70% of B virus cases can trigger fatal encephalitis in humans.
The incubation period for this disease in people varies, generally ranging between 3 and 7 days following exposure and, in some rare cases, symptoms can appear up to a month later.
Monkey B virus infection can present a variety of signs ranging from initial flu-like symptoms to additional manifestations such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hiccups, or swollen lymph nodes.
In China, a veterinarian based in Beijing was confirmed as the first case of human infection with monkey B virus, and subsequently died from it in 2021.
The 53-year-old veterinarian, who worked at an institution dedicated to primate research, presented initial symptoms of nausea and vomiting, a month following dissecting two dead monkeys, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. .
With information from EFE
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