Hong Kong authorities investigating city's first 'B virus' incident | Is it as dangerous as Covid-19?

Hong Kong authorities are investigating a rare “B Virus” infection in humans. The city’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has said that a 37-year-old man, now in critical condition, tested positive for the virus. They have also urged the public to maintain caution in light of the spread of the infection from animals to humans.

Here’s a look at what B virus is, and how it spreads.

What is B virus?

The B virus causes deadly herpes infections in people and is usually spread by macaque monkeys. Therefore, it is also known as the monkey B virus and herpes simiae virus.

How does the B virus spread?

This virus typically spreads from infected macaque monkeys to people. These monkeys are often infected with B virus, but usually present with mild or no symptoms, according to the CDC.

The virus is often found in the saliva, feces, urine (pee), brain, or spinal cord tissues of macaque monkeys.

People can get infected by the virus if they are bitten or scratched by an infected monkey or when tissue or fluids are transmitted through a cut.

In case of the man from Hong Kong, he had encountered wild monkeys during his visit to Kam Shan Country Park in late February. The animals had wounded him. This marked the first case of a B virus infection in a human in Hong Kong.

How dangerous is the B virus infection?

According to the CDC, infections caused by the virus initially present with flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills, muscle ache, fatigue, and heartache.

However, as the infection advances, it causes swelling of the brain and spinal cord, leading to brain damage, severe damage to the nervous system, and death.

The man from Hong Kong was admitted to the hospital later, with fever and decreased conscious level.

Can it spread like Covid-19?

Unlike Covid-19, the B virus does not spread easily. Since it was first identified in 1932, only 50 cases of the infection have been documented in humans.

It is also rare for the virus to spread from humans to humans, with only one such case documented so far.

Prevention

There are no vaccines available to protect against B virus infection. Experimental vaccines have been evaluated in animal models, but none are being considered for human use.

Follow these tips to prevent contracting the B virus:

• Avoid touching or feeding wild monkeys;

• In case of wounds caused by monkeys, wash the wound with running water and get medical attention immediately;

• Vets and laboratory workers must use proper personal protective equipment when working with macaque monkeys.