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Monkey bites in travelers: should we think of herpes B virus?

Nicole Ritz1, Nigel Curtis, Jim Buttery

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Monkey bites in travelers can transmit zoonotic diseases. This case highlights the rare but serious risk of herpes B virus infection from macaque bites in children, emphasizing postexposure management.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic disease transmission
  • Virology
  • Travel medicine

Background:

  • Monkey bites, particularly from macaques, pose a risk for zoonotic disease transmission.
  • Herpes B virus (BV) transmission from macaques is a known occupational hazard in research settings.
  • The risk of BV transmission to travelers, especially children, remains largely uncharacterized.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old girl sustained a macaque bite to the forehead while traveling in a tropical country.
  • The incident prompted a discussion on the appropriate postexposure management protocols for such injuries.

Findings:

  • While rare, herpes B virus transmission from macaque bites is a potentially fatal concern.
  • This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding zoonotic risks in travelers encountering non-human primates.
  • Effective postexposure prophylaxis and management are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Implications:

  • Travelers to regions with macaque populations should be aware of the potential for zoonotic disease transmission.
  • Healthcare providers managing travelers with animal bites need to consider rare but serious infections like herpes B virus.
  • Further research is warranted to define the actual risk of herpes B virus transmission in tourist-related macaque encounters.

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