China announces first human infection and death from Monkey B Virus

China announces first human infection and death from Monkey B Virus
July 19, 2021, 2:24 am

The Hindustan Times reported China has announced its first human infection with Monkey B Virus (BV) and subsequent death. Monkey B Virus

Citing China CDC Weekly, the Hindustan Times said a Beijing-based veterinary surgeon was infected with the virus after he dissected two dead monkeys in early March.

The 53-year-old veterinarian started experiencing nausea and vomiting and a month later, fever and neurological symptoms followed.

China CDC Weekly revealed Saturday he visited several hospitals but eventually died on May 27.

Around mid-April, researchers collected cerebrospinal fluid from the patient for next-generation sequencing and the readings suggested possible alphaherpesvirus infection.

They also collected several specimens including blister fluid, blood, nasal swab, throat swab, and plasma to further identify the etiological agent. Monkey B Virus

The samples were sent to the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (IVDC) of China CDC. The IVDC conducted four sets of RT-PCR to detect BV, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), monkeypox virus and orthopoxvirus, however, the sample tested positive only for BV.

All close contacts of the patient are reported to have tested negative for the virus and are safe from it, for now.

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” and to strengthen surveillance in laboratory macaques and occupational workers in China. Monkey B Virus

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Source: hindustantimes
Image source: HT Photo-hindustantimes

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