In a primate facility, which disease is viral in origin and can be transmitted from humans to nonhuman primates?

In a primate facility, which disease is viral in origin and can be transmitted from humans to nonhuman primates?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Measles
• C. Q fever
• D. Aleutian disease

Answer: (B)

Measles is a viral disease that can spread from people to nonhuman primates. Since measles virus is highly contagious and humans are the natural reservoir, an infected staff member or visitor can transmit it to a primate colony through respiratory droplets or aerosols. In nonhuman primates, measles can cause serious illness, so vaccination of humans (and primates where possible), proper PPE, and strict exposure controls are essential to prevent transmission in a primate facility. Tuberculosis is bacterial, not viral. Q fever is bacterial. Aleutian disease is a parvovirus but primarily affects other species and isn’t known for transmission from humans to nonhuman primates.

Measles is a viral disease that can spread from people to nonhuman primates. Since measles virus is highly contagious and humans are the natural reservoir, an infected staff member or visitor can transmit it to a primate colony through respiratory droplets or aerosols. In nonhuman primates, measles can cause serious illness, so vaccination of humans (and primates where possible), proper PPE, and strict exposure controls are essential to prevent transmission in a primate facility.

Tuberculosis is bacterial, not viral. Q fever is bacterial. Aleutian disease is a parvovirus but primarily affects other species and isn’t known for transmission from humans to nonhuman primates.