"First Human Case of B Virus from Wild Monkey Encounter in Hong Kong"
Hong Kong reports its first human case of the rare and serious B virus, also known as herpes simiae virus, in a 37-year-old man who had contact with wild monkeys at Kam Shan Country Park. The man is in critical condition and receiving treatment at a hospital's intensive care unit. Health authorities are warning the public to avoid touching or feeding wild monkeys to minimize the risk of contracting the virus, emphasizing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in case of exposure. The B virus, spread through bites and scratches from macaque monkeys, can lead to flu-like symptoms and potentially affect the central nervous system, with treatment options available for both exposure prophylaxis and infection.
