China reports first death from monkey B virus

A veterinarian in China has died after dissecting two monkeys and becoming infected with monkey B virus (not to be confused with ape pox).

The Chinese CDC has explained that the 53-year-old man worked in a laboratory in Beijing specializing in non-human primate breeding and experimental research. The scientist dissected two dead monkeys in early March 2021 and began experiencing nausea and vomiting followed by fever and neurological symptoms, finally dying on May 27.

His direct contacts have tested negative for the virus.

What is this virus?

Monkey virus B (also known as virus B, Macacino herpesvirus 1, or McHV-1) is a rare virus, similar to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), that causes cold sores in humans. Although it does not spread as easily as COVID-19, in humans it can have a mortality rate of 80% if not detected early, because it can cause severe inflammation of the brain, resulting in dysfunction permanent neurological or death.

Since the virus was first described in 1932, around 50 people with infections have been documented ; 21 of them died, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, only veterinarians, scientists, and researchers who work directly with these animals have contracted the virus, but researchers are aware that free-roaming wild macaques can become infected with the monkey b virus and could potentially expose humans to it. the infection.