In a significant development, Hong Kong has recorded its first-ever case of human B virus infection after a man was attacked by wild monkeys. The 37-year-old victim is currently in critical condition. The B virus, also known as herpes simiae virus, is a rare infection among humans.
The incident took place in late February when the man was wounded by the monkeys in Kam Shan Country Park. He was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on March 21 after experiencing fever and a decrease in consciousness. Subsequent testing of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid at the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection confirmed the presence of the B virus on April 3. The patient is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Epidemiological investigations are underway to determine the source and transmission of the virus. The Centre for Health Protection has urged the public to refrain from touching or feeding wild monkeys in order to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. While human-to-human transmission of the B virus is extremely rare, cases of infection have been reported in the United States, Canada, China, and Japan, mostly resulting from monkey bites or scratches.
The B virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine, and stool of macaques, a type of wild monkey commonly found in Hong Kong. Infected individuals may initially exhibit flu-like symptoms that can progress to an infection of the central nervous system.
The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department has advised the public to avoid eating in front of monkeys and making direct eye contact, as these actions may be perceived as provocative. When encountering monkeys, individuals should slow down, maintain a safe distance, and avoid touching them. If bitten or scratched by a monkey, immediate medical assistance should be sought.
This recent case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with interactions between humans and wild animals. Public awareness and adherence to safety guidelines can help mitigate such incidents in the future.
香港首宗受傷野猴感染人類B病毒案例
香港首次發生了一宗人類B病毒感染案例，該案例是一名男子被野生猴子襲擊後所導致的。這名37歲的受害者目前情況危急。B病毒，又稱為猴病毒，是人類罕見的感染病毒之一。
這一事件發生在二月底，當時這名男子在錦山郊野公園被猴子傷害。他於3月21日被送入仁濟醫院，因發燒和意識減退。根據衛生防護中心的公共衛生實驗室服務部門在4月3日的檢測結果顯示，這名患者的腦脊液樣本呈陽性反應，證實他感染了B病毒。目前，他正在重症監護室接受治療。
流行病學調查正在進行中，以確定該病毒的來源和傳播途徑。衛生防護中心強烈呼籲公眾避免觸摸或餵養野生猴子，以減少感染風險。雖然人對人的B病毒傳播非常罕見，但在美國、加拿大、中國和日本等國家已報告過由於被猴子咬傷或抓傷而導致的感染個案。
B病毒自然存在於獼猴的唾液、尿液和糞便中，而獼猴是香港常見的一種野生猴子。感染者最初可能出現類似流感的症狀，並可能發展成中樞神經系統感染。
漁農自然護理署建議公眾遇到猴子時避免在其面前進食，並避免直接眼神接觸，因為這可能被視為挑釁行為。當遇到猴子時，人們應減慢腳步，保持安全距離，避免觸摸它們。如果被猴子咬傷或抓傷，應立即尋求醫療協助。
這起最近的案例提醒我們注意人類與野生動物之間互動可能存在的潛在風險。公眾的意識和遵守安全指引可以幫助減少此類事件的發生。
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