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A person caught a uncommon however probably deadly an infection after being wounded by wild monkeys in a Hong Kong park and is at present in vital situation, well being officers report.
The an infection was brought on by B virus, which is often discovered within the saliva, urine and stool of macaques, monkeys that reside in varied areas within the metropolis, according to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), an company of the Division of Well being in Hong Kong. The monkeys themselves often are both asymptomatic or present solely delicate signs of an infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes.
In accordance with the contaminated man’s household, he’d encountered the monkeys throughout a go to to Kam Shan Nation Park — home to an area nicknamed “Monkey Hill” — in late February. His case is considered the primary human an infection with B virus in Hong Kong, the CHP famous.
B virus, additionally known as monkey B virus or herpesvirus simiae, not often infects individuals. From its discovery in 1932 to 2019, the virus sickened about 50 individuals, 21 of whom died of the an infection, in line with the CDC. Many of the affected individuals had been bitten or scratched by a monkey or have been contaminated when the tissue or bodily fluids of a monkey had made contact with damaged pores and skin. There’s just one recognized case of an contaminated individual spreading B virus on to a different individual, the CDC notes.
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The first known human case of B virus in China was reported in 2021, in a veterinary surgeon in Beijing who’d dissected two lifeless monkeys and died of the an infection a few month later.
Within the present case in Hong Kong, the contaminated 37-year-old man was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on March 21 “on account of fever and decreased acutely aware stage.” As of Wednesday (April 3), he was being handled within the intensive care unit. A pattern of the fluid that surrounds the mind and spinal twine examined optimistic for B virus.
The preliminary symptoms of B virus are flu-like and embrace fever, chills, muscle ache, fatigue and headache. Further signs embrace shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and hiccups. (Hiccups might probably be associated to the virus invading the nervous system.) Folks may develop small blisters on the a part of their physique a monkey scratched or made contact with.
In its late levels, the an infection may cause irritation of the mind and spinal twine. This will result in sensations of ache, numbness or itching close to the wound website, in addition to muscle coordination points and mind and nerve injury. Respiratory issues and dying can happen inside someday to 3 weeks after preliminary signs seem, the CDC notes. The an infection is usually handled with antiviral medication and supportive care to keep up an individual’s important indicators.
Each the CDC and CHP advise the general public to keep away from wild monkeys and keep away from touching or feeding them. If an individual is wounded by a monkey, they should wash the wound after which instantly search medical consideration.
As of April 4, CHP has not launched extra details about the continuing case.
This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to supply medical recommendation.
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