Monkey Diet & Health, Science & Research
Diseases Shared Between Humans and Monkeys
Because monkeys are close biological relatives, pathogens move between us more easily than with most animals. Transmission runs in both directions, and the risk rises wherever people and primates come into close, repeated contact — markets, temples, farms, tourist sites and homes keeping primates as pets.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Anyone bitten or scratched by a monkey should seek medical assessment the same day.
Key takeaways
- Herpes B from macaques is rare in humans but serious, which is why macaque bites are treated urgently.
- Tuberculosis transmits in both directions and is a major concern in sanctuaries and labs.
- Yellow fever devastates New World monkeys and is spread by mosquitoes, not by contact.
- Human respiratory viruses can kill habituated wild primates.
- Distance, hygiene and never feeding or handling primates prevent almost all contact-based transmission.
Diseases that can pass from monkeys to people
| Disease | Source | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Herpes B virus | Macaques | Bites, scratches, contact with saliva or eye fluid |
| Tuberculosis | Many primates | Airborne |
| Hepatitis A and B | Various primates | Faecal-oral and blood contact |
| Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter | Many primates | Faecal-oral |
| Intestinal parasites | Many primates | Faecal-oral |
| Monkeypox virus | Rodents and primates | Direct contact, bushmeat handling |
| Simian foamy virus | Many primates | Bites; commonly detected in people with primate contact |
Rabies is also a consideration after any mammal bite, which is why post-exposure treatment is time-critical.
Diseases that pass from people to monkeys
- Respiratory viruses — common cold, influenza and related viruses cause serious outbreaks in habituated primate groups.
- Measles — highly lethal in naive primate populations.
- Tuberculosis — a persistent risk in sanctuaries and research colonies.
- Gastrointestinal bacteria — transferred through waste and food handling.
This is why many primate viewing sites now require face masks and a minimum viewing distance. See Monkeys in National Parks.
Yellow fever and monkey populations
Yellow fever is mosquito-borne, and Neotropical monkeys are extremely susceptible. Outbreaks in Brazil’s Atlantic forest have killed the majority of local howler monkeys in affected areas and set back golden lion tamarin recovery. Because monkeys die quickly, sudden howler deaths are used as an early warning signal for human outbreaks. See Howler Monkey Guide and Climate Change and Monkeys.
Where risk concentrates
- Temple and roadside sites where feeding creates constant close contact.
- Bushmeat hunting and butchering, which involves direct blood contact.
- Pet primates in homes, especially macaques.
- Wildlife markets with mixed species in poor conditions.
- Habitat encroachment that brings farms and settlements against forest edges.
How to reduce risk
- Keep at least 7-10 metres from wild primates and never feed or touch them.
- Wear a mask where guidelines require it near habituated groups.
- Wash hands after any outdoor site where monkeys are present.
- Do not visit primates when you have a respiratory infection.
- Seek immediate care for any bite or scratch, and state the species involved.
- Avoid bushmeat entirely.
Practical detail in Monkey Safety Tips for Travelers.
Why this matters beyond individual health
Intact forest keeps wildlife, livestock and people apart. When forest is fragmented and hunting intensifies, contact rates rise and so does spillover risk. Habitat protection is therefore also public health policy. See Why Forest Conservation Matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can you catch a disease from a monkey bite?
Yes. Bites can transmit bacteria, rabies risk and, from macaques, herpes B. Seek medical care immediately.
What is herpes B?
A virus carried by many macaques that causes little illness in them but can cause severe disease in humans. Human cases are rare but serious.
Can monkeys catch human colds?
Yes, and outbreaks in habituated wild groups can be fatal.
Are monkeys a source of pandemics?
Primates have been involved in some spillover events, but the underlying driver is close contact created by hunting, trade and habitat loss.
Is it safe to visit monkeys in the wild?
Yes, when you keep your distance, do not feed them and follow site rules.
Related: Medical Research Involving Monkeys, Are Monkeys Good Pets?, Ultimate Guide to Monkeys.
