Controversy continues over the origins of COVID-19.
A veterinarian who dissected a dead monkey in China died for the first time after being infected with the deadly 'monkey B virus' in humans.
According to the Chinese state-run Global Times, a 53-year-old veterinarian working at a research institute in Beijing showed symptoms such as nausea and vomiting after dissecting two dead monkeys in March.
The veterinarian was treated at the hospital, but he died last May.
Upon investigation, it was found that the veterinarian was infected with the monkey B virus.
The virus can be transmitted by being bitten or scratched by a monkey or by contact with the secretions of an infected monkey.
Monkeys are harmless, but when humans are infected, the fatality rate is known to reach 70%.
Fortunately, doctors and nurses who were in close contact with the deceased veterinarian all tested negative.
The Global Times said the dead veterinarian was the first confirmed human case of monkey B virus infection in China.