The first recorded case of Monkey B virus to be detected in humans in China has turned fatal.

The veterinarian who was the first known person to have contracted the virus dissected two dead monkeys in early March, reported IANS.

After a month, the doctor is said to have experienced symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

The doctor reportedly underwent treatment in several hospitals before he died on 27 May.

People who were in close contact with the doctor have no symptoms and are currently safe.

What is the Monkey B Virus? How concerning is it? FIT breaks it down.

Monkey B virus is also commonly known as B virus (BV), herpes B, herpesvirus simiae or herpesvirus B.

According to the US CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), it is a very rare viral infection that is contracted from the bite or scratch of a macaque monkey.

The B virus can live on surfaces (especially in moisture) for hours.

• When bitten or scratched by a monkey infected with this virus

• contact with infected monkey tissue or fluid from your cut skin or through the eyes, nose, or mouth

• Injury from a sharp-edged object such as a cage, etc., contaminated with this virus

• coming into contact with an infected monkey's brain, spinal cord, or skull

According to reports, the animal doctor who died in China had dissected two dead monkeys in early March.

So far only one case of B virus infection spreading from one person to another has been recorded.

In the case of the veterinarian in China, people with close contact with the doctor have no symptoms. Their test results, to have come back negative, and they are safe at present.

People who do not come into contact with monkeys generally have a very low risk of contracting the B virus.

However, veterinarians, veterinary lab workers, and others who may come in contact with monkeys or their samples are at higher risk of B virus infection.

In the case of the veterinarian in China, these included nausea and vomiting a month after the two monkeys were dissected by him.

However, its symptoms can also appear within in 3 to 7 days.

The first signs of B virus infection are usually flu-like:

• Fever and chills

• Muscle pain

• Fatigue

• Headache

• There may be blisters on the monkey's contact or wound area.

Other symptoms that may appear:

• Difficulty breathing

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach ache

• Hiccup

As the disease progresses, the virus spreads and can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

• First and foremost, wash the wound or area on your body that had contact with the monkey, under running water. Gently scrub the area with soap, detergent, or iodine for 15 minutes.

• After, run water over the wound or area for 15 to 20 minutes more.

• Contact a doctor immediately.

There is no vaccine to protect against B virus infection.

• If you are in a place where there are macaque monkeys, stay away from them.

• High-risk people such as animal doctors and lab workers should use personal protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves and face shields.

• Contact with monkey bites, scratches or secretions should be immediately cleaned thoroughly with water and a doctor should be contacted.