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.