Hong Kong's first human death from simian herpes virus infection

28/2/2025 6:12

The first human death from simian herpes virus infection occurred in Hong Kong. A man was attacked by a monkey and died after being hospitalized for about 4 months.



The Centre for Health Protection disclosed this case in the latest issue of its online monthly newsletter "Infectious Disease Direct", saying that the 37-year-old man involved had good health in the past. He went to Kam Shan Country Park in late February last year and was attacked and injured by wild monkeys. About a month later, he developed a fever and became unconscious. He was sent to the emergency room and then stayed in the intensive care unit in critical condition. His cerebrospinal fluid sample was tested positive for simian herpes virus, making it the first case of human infection with simian herpes virus in Hong Kong recorded by the Centre for Health Protection. The male patient went into shock on June 17 last year and died the next day.



The Center for Health Protection said that since April 5 last year, "Simian herpes virus infection" has been added to the infectious disease watch list to strengthen monitoring, and a letter has been sent to doctors to explain the relevant case definitions and reporting criteria.



People infected with simian herpes virus will initially show flu symptoms, which may develop into central nervous system infections. The Center for Health Protection calls on the public to avoid touching or feeding wild monkeys.