Lemurs fall prey to human herpes virus
The last time you had a cold sore, you might have fretted about how long it would hang around. Perhaps you avoided reflective surfaces. It's unlikely you worried about dying from it.
A new study reveals human herpesvirus has infected four privately owned lemurs, leading to fatal encephalitis. Lemurs, which rarely contract human herpesvirus (HuAHV1), are particularly vulnerable to the fatal condition. The study, published in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, highlights the importance of stringent precautions to protect lemurs from transmission by humans.
Human alphaherpesvirus rarely jumps between species, but when it does, the consequences can be severe. Proper precautions, including limiting close human contact, are crucial to safeguarding the health of these vulnerable primates.
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