An infection with a rare virus has been reported in Hong Kong. The trigger was probably contact with a monkey.
The 37-year-old is in critical condition. The disease Herpes B - also known colloquially as monkey herpes - caused by the virus initially presents with fever, headaches, and exhaustion. As it progresses, herpes B can also lead to brain and nerve damage and death. The main carriers of the virus are rhesusus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and macaques. In primates, the virus usually only causes mild symptoms but can be fatal if transmitted to humans. The park is also popular with tourists for the macaques that live there and is therefore nicknamed "Monkey Hill.'