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

China announces first human infection and death from Monkey B Virus

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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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
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Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”