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The Center for Health Protection of the Hong Kong Department of Health is currently investigating a case of human infection with monkey B virus (also known as monkey herpes virus) and reminds the public to avoid touching or feeding wild monkeys to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

What is monkey B virus?

Simian B virus, originally isolated in 1932, is an endemic alphaherpesvirus in macaque monkeys that is typically transmitted horizontally through direct contact and exchange of body secretions. Monkey B virus is mainly transmitted directly between monkeys through mating, bites or scratches, and poisonous saliva through damaged skin or mucous membranes. It can also be transmitted indirectly through pollutants. Under the influence of certain environmental factors and social factors, monkey B virus can cross the species barrier and infect humans, causing human infection through scratches, bites, needle sticks, cage scratches, and mucus splashes from monkeys.

The Hong Kong case involves a 37-year-old man with good past health. He was sent to the hospital's emergency department on March 21 due to fever and confusion. Currently, he is being hospitalized and is in critical condition. The patient's cerebrospinal fluid sample was tested on April 3 and was confirmed to be positive for monkey B virus. According to the information provided by the patient's family and preliminary investigation, the patient visited Jinshan Country Park in late February, during which he was exposed to wild monkeys and was attacked and injured by the monkeys. Epidemiological investigation is still ongoing.