Monkey B Virus
Recently, the first case of human being infected with ‘Monkey B Virus’ has been reported in China.
About Monkey B Virus:
- The Monkey B virus, initially isolated in 1932, is an alphaherpes virus enzootic in macaques of the genus Macaca. B virus is the only identified old-world-monkey herpesvirus that displays severe pathogenicity in humans.
- Alphaherpes virus is a pathogenic or neuroinvasive virus that infects the peripheral nervous system of humans and other vertebrates.
- The B virus is commonly known as Herpes B, Herpesvirus Simiae and Herpesvirus B.
- The B virus can survive on surfaces (especially moist surfaces) for hours.
Transmission:
In humans, this virus is transmitted by bites, scratches or contact with the saliva, feces and urine of infected monkeys and the mortality rate due to its infection is 70 percent to 80 percent.
Human to Human Transmission:
Only one case of transmission or transmission of B virus from one infected person to another has been reported so far.
Main symptoms:
The virus initially causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache, after which the infected person may develop sores or small blisters on the skin of the body. The initial symptoms of this virus are followed by muscle stiffness and neurological damage.
Treatment: There is no vaccine available yet that can protect against infection, but timely antiviral medications can help reduce the risk.
Source – The Hindu
