Herpes B is a virus that is common among primates. The disease manifests itself as lesions on the skin. Herpes B is generally not considered a human disease, but, in rare cases, humans have been infected with the disease. Herpes B is usually fatal in human beings. The only humans at risk for contracting Herpes B are those who work with monkeys because the disease is passed through monkey bites. Most cases of Herpes B in humans have occurred in veterinarians.
Lesions at Exposure Site
About a week after exposure, a human exposed to Herpes B will begin to notice lesions on the skin. These lesions will be large blisters full of pus and blood. Lesions will most likely be on the skin in the area directly exposed to the disease. Lesions may spread to other parts of the body.
Flu-Like Symptoms
After the lesions appear, a human who has contracted Herpes B virus will begin to have flu-like symptoms. These will include fever, chills and vomiting. Extreme nausea is also likely. The person may have trouble breathing and might complain of chest pain. These symptoms may seem like the flu but, coupled with the lesions, they are a sure sign that something more serious has happened.
Neurological Symptoms
The Herpes B disease attacks the nervous system of the body. A person who contracts the disease will begin to suffer from neurological symptoms. The person may feel itchy and not be able to relieve the feeling. Parts of the body may begin to feel numb. The person may also begin to feel dizzy and have blurred vision. Finally, the person may become confused.
Final Stages
Herpes B usually results in death in humans. After the neurological symptoms, the final stages of the disease will begin. The infected person will begin to have trouble breathing and slip into a coma. Eventually, the ability to breathe will be lost, and the person will die.
Diagnosing and Treatment
Herpes B can be detected through a blood test. Those who work with primates on a regular basis are encouraged to be tested often for the disease, as well as having all primates in their care tested regularly. Treatments for Herpes B can be successful if the disease is caught early on but by the time a person is experiencing symptoms, it is usually too late.
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