Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms typically start within one month of being exposed to B virus, but could appear in as little as three to seven days.

The first indications of B virus infection are typically flu-like symptoms:

• fever and chills
• muscle ache
• fatigue
• headache

Then, you may develop small blisters in the wound or area on your body that had contact with the monkey.

Other symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Hiccups

As the disease progresses, the virus spreads to and causes inflammation (swelling) of the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to:

• Neurologic and inflammatory symptoms (pain, numbness, itching) near the wound site
• Problems with muscle coordination
• Brain damage and severe damage to the nervous system
• Death

Problems with breathing and death can occur one day to three weeks after symptoms appear. It may be possible for people to have mild B virus infection or no symptoms. However, there are no studies or evidence of this.