HERPES B VIRUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A 37-year-old man wounded by a wild monkey in Hong Kong is in intensive care suffering from infection with B virus.

Herpes B Virus

• About: B-virus, formerly known as Macacine herpesvirus, is a type of Simplexvirus that infects macaque monkeys.
• Similarity to HSV-1: B virus bears significant resemblance to HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1).

• Rare Occurrence in Humans

oHistorical Context: Since its identification in 1932, B virus infections in humans have been exceptionally rare.

oLimited Cases: Only 50 documented cases of B virus infections in humans have been recorded, with a notable mortality rate.

oModes of Transmission: Human infections typically occur through direct contact with infected monkeys, such as bites, scratches, or exposure to bodily fluids through breaks in the skin.

• Symptoms: Fever and chills, muscle ache, fatigue and headache
• Transmission: It can spread from infected macaque monkeys to people. Macaque monkeys commonly have this virus, and it can be found in their saliva, feces (poop), urine (pee), or brain or spinal cord tissue.
• Prevention: There are no vaccines that can protect you against B virus infection.