Monkey B virus detected in a person for the first time in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has announced that a person is fighting for their life in the hospital after being diagnosed with the deadly 'Monkey B' virus following an attack by a wild monkey.
12punto
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the Centre for Health Protection stated that the 37-year-old individual was admitted to a hospital in Tsuen Wan on March 21 with complaints of fever and loss of consciousness.
It was stated that the 'Monkey B' virus tested positive in the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid of this person, who was attacked by a wild monkey during a trip to Kam Shan Country Park at the end of February.
The statement, which noted that the individual's condition is currently critical and they are being treated in the hospital's intensive care unit, also shared that investigations into the case are ongoing.
'A RARE CONDITION'
The statement emphasized that the disease, which is transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from macaque monkeys—which are common in Hong Kong—can lead to fatal central nervous system infections while showing flu-like symptoms, and pointed out that human-to-human transmission of the virus is a rare occurrence.
The statement noted that this is the first case of the "Monkey B" virus being transmitted to a human in Hong Kong, but that the virus has previously been seen in the USA, Canada, China, and Japan.
'WASH IMMEDIATELY' WARNING
Hong Kong health authorities warned the public to avoid contact with wild monkeys and recommended that in the event of any bite or scratch, the affected area should be washed immediately to reduce the risk of transmission.
The first documented case of a human being infected with the "Monkey B" virus was seen in 1932.