The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it immediately adopted a multipronged approach to prevent the spread of the B virus or herpes simiae virus, after confirming the first human infection in Hong Kong on April 3 last year.

Apart from issuing a press release that day to announce details of the case, including the treatment of the patient in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit and reminding the public of the precautions to be taken against the virus, the CHP notified the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department to take appropriate measures as a matter of urgency.

As this is the first case of its kind in Hong Kong, the centre promptly stepped up local medical surveillance. On April 5 last year, it put the disease onto the list of "Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern" and issued letters to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong, asking them to pay attention to the disease during medical consultations and report suspected cases to the CHP for follow-up.

The CHP also produced promotional leaflets and provided health information on its website and social media since April 5 last year. In addition, it reported the latest epidemiological investigation results of the case in the Communicable Disease Watch in June last year and yesterday, reminding the public and healthcare workers to exercise caution against the B virus.

The centre said that in the fight against communicable diseases, it adheres to the principles of real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication.

Regarding this human B virus infection case, the CHP stressed there was no delay in its investigation, disease control and prevention, and publicity and education efforts.

The CHP also acknowledged comments that it could have issued a press release on the day of the patient's death and said it will review the current practice and consider announcing crucial changes in the clinical conditions of special infectious disease cases as soon as practicable.

This is in addition to announcing the results of the relevant epidemiological investigations, prevention and control work, and public education.

So far, only one case of B virus human infection has been recorded in Hong Kong. As the virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine and stool of macaques - wild animals commonly found in Hong Kong, people must remain vigilant and stay away from wild monkeys and avoid touching or feeding them.

The CHP advised anyone bitten or scratched by a monkey to rinse the wound with water as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.