China reported the country's first human infection and death caused by a rare infectious disease monkey B virus found in primates.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a 53-year-old veterinarian worked in a non-human research institute.

In March of this year, a primate farm in Beijing planted two monkeys, and after about a month they became ill.

He developed nausea, vomiting, fever, and nervous system problems and died in May.

After analyzing blood and saliva samples, researchers found evidence of the monkey B virus, also known as herpes virus B, in April.

The researchers said that doctors and nurses who were in close contact with the victim tested negative for the virus.

Monkey B virus is common in macaques, but infection in humans is extremely rare.

Since the discovery of the virus in 1932, only 50 cases have been reported, most of which are in North America. Untreated B virus infection is a serious disease, but the mortality rate is about 80%. Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, and the development of more serious complications, such as swelling of the brain and spinal cord.


Laboratory workers and veterinarians who are in close contact with animals face a higher risk because people usually get the virus when they are bitten or scratched by an infected monkey, or when they come into contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Mutation in a way that is a problem for the general population. Only the spread of one virus from person to person is recorded.


https://www.gidient.com/china-confirms-first-human-death-from-rare-monkey-b-virus/