They may not be the first animal to think of when you think of Florida’s wildlife, but be careful: Wild Rhesus Macaque -aber in Sunshine State has tested positively for herpes B virus, and Contracting can prove to be deadly.
Nearly 200 rhesus macaque monkeys live in and roam around Florida’s Silver Spring State Park, where they were first introduced almost 100 years ago, local sales market reports. Now they can be found everywhere in the state and observations are increasing according to the outlets.
Several central Florida comments, including Marion, Seminole and Lake Counties, have seen an increase in macaic observations in the past two years, clicks on Orlando. Similarly, several monkeys that roamed Orange City in Volusia County were reported last month, CBS News reports.
Many of them carry diseases, including herpes B virus, which can cause an “extremely rare” but “severe and even deadly” infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although the virus can spread can spread through an infected monkey or scratches; comes in contact with an infected monkey or fluid; scrape or cut yourself on a contaminated cage or other sharp surface; Or to be exposed to the brain, spinal cord or skull on the infected monkey, says CDC.
The first signs of infection include flu -like symptoms, such as fever and chills, says CDC. Then it is possible to develop small blems near the wound or area where you had contact with the monkey.
The virus then causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord. The disease can cause “severe brain injury or death” if contracted, according to CDC.
Macaque monkeys can become aggressive when fed, leading to a greater likelihood of a scratch or bite – that’s why the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission forbade them in 2018 reports click on Orlando.
“If you’re in a place with Macaque monkeys, stay away from them so you don’t get bitten or scratched,” CDC says on its website. “Don’t touch or feed monkeys.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says residents should never go to or feed monkeys. If a monkey is around, the residents must keep the children tight and pet leash. Residents should also dispose of undeveloped food and other waste in closed containers to prevent the monkeys.
If you are bitten or scratched by a monkey, seek medical attention and wash the wound immediately. Also call the National B Virus Resource Center: 404-413-6650.
Any resident observing a wild monkey that pays a threat may call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922.