Monkey B Virus: China Reports First Human Death; All You Need To Know

China has reported its first human infection with Monkey B Virus (BV) and also subsequent death. A Beijing-based veterinary surgeon was infected with the virus after he dissected two dead monkeys in early March, as per China CDC Weekly. The 53-year-old veterinarian started experiencing nausea and vomiting & a month later. This was followed by neurological symptoms. He visited several hospitals but eventually died on May 27, China CDC Weekly revealed on July 17. All close contacts of the patient are reported to have tested negative for the virus and are safe from it, for now, reported Global Times.

Citing the first human fatality from Monkey BV, China CDC Weekly said that the virus might pose a zoonotic threat to primate veterinarians, animal care personnel, or laboratory researchers. The journal stressed the need to eliminate the virus during the development of “specific pathogen-free rhesus colonies” & to strengthen surveillance in laboratory macaques and occupational workers in China. Watch the video to know more.