No risk of hepatitis B virus infection in Indonesia

On April 9, the Indonesian Ministry of Health said there was no risk of a case of the B virus in Indonesia. The confirmation from the Indonesian Ministry of Health came after media reports recently reported that a man was attacked and injured by a group of monkeys at Kam Shan National Park, Hong Kong (China).

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, this is a zoonotic disease and considering the speed at which it spreads to humans, only one case has been reported so far. The disease is transmitted by animal bites and not from person to person, so it is unlikely to spread quickly.

However, the Indonesian Ministry of Health continues to remind people to be cautious, especially those who are on vacation in Hong Kong, China or areas with confirmed cases. People are also encouraged to seek medical attention if they are attacked by a monkey for appropriate treatment. If there are any wounds from bites or scratches, clean them immediately with soap and water.

A man was attacked by a group of monkeys at Kam Shan Park, Hong Kong (China) - Source: CNN Indonesia

Recently, the media reported that around the end of February, a 37-year-old man was attacked and injured by a group of monkeys in Kam Shan Park, Hong Kong. A few weeks after the incident, the man, who was usually in good health, suddenly fell ill and was taken to Yan Chai Hospital on March 21. He is currently in critical condition and is receiving intensive care. The Hong Kong Center for Health Protection found that the man's cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for the B virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkey B is rare but can cause brain damage and even death if not treated promptly. People can get the disease if they are scratched or bitten by an infected monkey, or if they come into contact with the monkey’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the flu, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. Symptoms typically appear a month after exposure to an infected monkey, but can appear as early as 3 to 7 days.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khong-co-nguy-co-lay-nhiem-virus-b-tai-indonesia-post382587.html