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Monkey Bites - Herpes B Virus

Monkeys carry many diseases that infect humans. Exposure to monkey bites and scratches puts one at risk for herpes B virus and rabies. Rabies prophylaxis – Monkey bite victims usually need rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

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Articles of Interest

Expert Review of Evidence Bases for Managing Monkey Bites in Travelers

Over the past 80 years since Sabin’s initial report, nearly 50 human B virus infections resulting from monkey exposures are known to have occurred,6 approximately one third the number of known monkey-to-human rabies cases chronicled during the past 53 years cited in the above French study.

First Aid for Monkey Bite

Comments from India.

Macaque Monkey Bite, Scratch, and Exposure SOP

Herpes B virus is carried by monkeys in the genus Macaca, such as the rhesus (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus (M, fascicularis), pigtail macaque (M. nemestrina) and other Asiatic macaque species. The virus can be transmitted from these monkeys to humans through exposure to the animal's saliva or other body fluids or tissues.

Monkey Bites in Travelers

Monkey bites are frequently reported among children traveling to tropical countries and can be associated with the transmission of zoonoses. Potentially fatal transmission of herpes B virus from macaque bites is rare but well documented in biomedical research facilities. The risk in travelers remains unknown..

Monkey see, monkey bite, urgent flight

Anthony Wallace recently brought home his monkey memento – nasty scalp wounds. After getting basic first-aid in Bali, Mr Wallace returned to East Gosford in New South Wales to have rabies immunoglobulin injected around the wound and to begin a post-exposure course of four rabies vaccine injections to prevent infection.

Zoonoses Associated with Old World Monkeys (Macaques)

All researchers and husbandry staff who handle macaques, macaque body fluids and cell cultures derived from infected macaques or equipment that has come in contact with infected macaque body fluids, feces and urine must be familiar with precautions required to prevent transmission of Herpes B virus (Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1).