US Zoo Gorilla Infected with COVID-19... First Case of Infection in Apes

Possible Transmission from Zoo Staff..."Tracing the Route"
First Case of Primate Infection..."No Special Treatment Available"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Gorillas being raised at a zoo in the United States have tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), prompting U.S. health authorities to launch an investigation. This is the world's first case of apes infected with COVID-19. It is presumed that the gorillas were infected by zoo staff, and health authorities are currently tracing the infection route.

According to the Associated Press on the 11th (local time), among eight gorillas being raised at the San Diego Zoo in Escondido, San Diego County, California, some showed COVID-19 symptoms and underwent diagnostic testing, resulting in two testing positive. Another gorilla is also showing symptoms, so the number of infected gorillas is expected to increase. This is the first reported case worldwide of apes infected with COVID-19. Gorillas share 98.4% of their DNA with humans, and wildlife experts had previously expressed concerns about the possibility of gorillas contracting COVID-19.

California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the fact during an online briefing on the same day, stating, "We are tracing the infection route of the gorillas to determine whether the transmission occurred from humans." Lisa Peterson, director of the zoo, said, "One of the animal care staff tested positive for COVID-19, raising suspicion of human-to-gorilla transmission," adding, "The staff member was asymptomatic and always wore a mask around the gorillas." The zoo had been closed since the 6th of last month due to COVID-19 lockdown measures.

The gorillas are currently under close monitoring by veterinarians and, aside from some redness and coughing symptoms, are reported to have no major health issues. So far, no specific treatment has been discovered for apes infected with COVID-19. Previously, cases of other wild animals such as minks and tigers infected with COVID-19 have been reported, but there have been no reports of severe cases threatening the lives of animals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.