A 37-year-old man in Hong Kong has been infected with a rare virus after being bitten by a wild monkey. This person is currently admitted to ICU in critical condition. This is the first case of B-virus reported in Hong Kong.
According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 such cases have been reported since 1932. The first known person to be infected with this virus was a young doctor, William Brebner. While researching poliovirus, he was bitten by a rhesus monkey. Although the bite wound healed, he later developed severe neurological disease, which led to respiratory failure and he died in 1932.
What is B-virus?
B-virus is a type of herpes virus found mainly in rhesus monkeys. It is also known as herpes B virus or macaca herpesvirus 1 (McHV-1). This virus usually causes no symptoms in monkeys, but if the virus spreads to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with infected bodily fluids, it can cause serious neurological problems, including encephalitis (brain inflammation. ) also includes.
Is B-virus infection fatal?
B-virus infection in humans is rare but can also be fatal. Its symptoms can range from fever and headache to neurological problems and even death. Out of 50 cases registered in America, 21 people have died. If a person comes in contact with B-virus, it is very important to start treatment with antiviral medicines immediately. Additionally, it is also extremely important for people who work with or handle macaque monkeys to take precautionary measures. This first case reported in Hong Kong was allegedly a victim of a monkey attack in Hong Kong's Cam Shan Country Park.
Does this virus spread quickly?
The spread of this virus among humans is very rare. So far, only one case has come to light, in which his wife also got infected with this virus due to direct contact with the wound of an infected person. According to the US CDC, so far only one case of spread among humans has been recorded.
What are the symptoms of B-virus infection?
Symptoms of infection usually appear within a month of exposure to the virus, although sometimes this period can be as short as 3-7 days. Common symptoms seen during infection are fever, headache, muscle pain, and local neurological symptoms around the bite (e.g. pain, numbness, itching). Apart from this, lymphadenitis, lymphangitis, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain may also occur.
