Experts on Friday called for more awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers and legal consequences of feeding wildlife after Hong Kong’s first death resulting from an infection caused by a monkey attack reignited discussions about the health risks of close interactions with wild animals.
The Centre for Health Protection’s (CHP) latest Communicable Disease Watch journal, published on Friday, revealed that a 37-year-old man injured by wild monkeys in Kam Shan Country Park last February died four months later due to B virus infection — a herpes virus commonly found among macaques.
The man had shown no symptoms related to the virus infection until he was admitted to the hospital on Mar 21 suffering from fever and requiring intensive care. He had no health issues prior to the monkeys’ assault, said CHP.
On April 3, he tested positive for B virus infection, becoming the city’s first reported case of the virus — which is also known as herpes simiae virus.
ALSO READ: Public told to avoid monkeys as HK man falls sick after contact
Diagnosed with B virus encephalitis, the patient went into shock on June 17 and died the following day.
In an interview with China Daily, public health expert Leung Chi-chiu called the death a tragedy, attributing it to delayed wound treatment and missed opportunities for antiviral therapy due to limited awareness of the virus.
“The public should avoid contacting wild animals to reduce the risk of infection from the outset,” he said.
Leung explained that B virus is primarily transmitted by monkeys carrying the virus and secreting infectious fluids.
“The risk of infection increases significantly if a monkey attack results in wounds on the head, neck, or deep cuts exposed to the saliva or bodily fluids of an infected monkey,” he said.
ALSO READ: Action taken to keep wild boars at bay
People who frequently interact with monkeys or related specimens — such as researchers or zookeepers — should exercise extra caution, he said.
Symptoms typically appear about a month after exposure, initially resembling influenza, including fever, muscle ache, headaches, and fatigue. Lesions near the injury site may also develop. If the virus invades the brain or spinal cord, it can lead to encephalitis or myelitis, which are caused by the virus entering the central nervous system.
Leung advised victims to immediately and thoroughly rinse any wounds sustained during a monkey attack to reduce infection risks. “If the attacking monkey can be captured and tested, it can provide crucial information for post-exposure treatment. Prompt antiviral therapy is essential, as delayed intervention significantly reduces the chances of recovery,” he said.
The city’s legislature increased penalties for feeding wildlife last year, aiming to lower health risks and prevent ecological imbalance.
The recent publicity surrounding the death has sparked renewed calls for public education on the dangers of close contact with wildlife and the severe penalties for such behavior.
ALSO READ: HK authorities begin boar hunt amid public safety fears
Steven Ho Chun-yin, president of the Hong Kong Fishermen’s Association and a Legislative Council member, highlighted the growing issue of wild animals encroaching on residential areas, partly due to feeding by residents.
“Many Hong Kong residents still believe feeding wild animals is a virtuous act,” Ho said.
“This has led to wild boar, monkeys and pigeons becoming semi-domesticated over the past two decades, significantly increasing the risk of disease transmission, such as herpes B virus and avian influenza.”
Historically, feeding wild animals in designated areas in Hong Kong was punishable by a fine.
READ MORE: City culls wild boars, balances animal rights activist
However, starting Dec 31, 2022, the ban on feeding wild animals has been extended across Hong Kong. The maximum fine for illegal feeding has risen to HK$100,000 ($12,855) and potential jail time of up to one year following the legal revision in 2024.
“I believe our legal deterrence is strong enough,” Ho said, though he acknowledged that there are enforcement challenges due to insufficient manpower.
To address enforcement gaps, Ho suggested leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence and drones. “We can use AI cameras to identify patterns of illegal feeding behavior and automatically document violations for prosecution,” he explained.
Ho also stressed the importance of cutting off food sources for wildlife in residential areas, such as using sealed garbage bins, and integrating wildlife education into school curricula and education programs.
