Monkey B virus- An emerging threat?

A death from Monkey B virus ( Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) infection was recently reported in China, reminding us to be on the lookout for the risk of transmission and infection with Monkey B virus. Monkey B virus is found in macaques of the genus Macaca , which are widely used in biomedical research. Although B virus infection in macaques is usually asymptomatic or mild, it can be fatal in humans, causing encephalomyelitis. Without prompt treatment, the mortality rate from Monkey B virus infection can reach more than 70%. Although the risk of human-to-human transmission is low, the virus’s widespread prevalence among monkeys, high mortality among infected individuals, and severe neurological sequelae in survivors make this virus an important zoonotic pathogen that threatens humans. Training programs for at-risk personnel and prompt treatment after Monkey B virus exposure can reduce infection rates and mortality. Following a rapid diagnosis of Monkey B virus disease, the early initiation of antiviral therapy prevents severe disease or death. The identification of risk factors is critical in controlling the spread of the Monkey B virus in the vulnerable population.