Exposure to Nonhuman Primates: Situation, Reference and Intervention Guide

Initial assessment of nonhuman primate (see 3.2.3) If possible, determine the species of the implicated primate, the circumstances of the exposure, the availability of the animal and its health status. [...] Prompt and thorough cleansing of the wound and mucosa is the most important factor in reducing the risk of B Virus infection (Holmes et al., 1995; Cohen et al., 2002) and the risk of contracting the rabies virus. [...] Institut national de santé publique du Québec 15 Exposure to Nonhuman Primates: Situation, Reference and Intervention Guide When evaluating a given exposure, the physician should attempt to determine the species of the implicated primate, its country of origin, the circumstances of the accident, and the availability of the animal for the purposes of veterinary assessment. [...] In cases where the nonhuman primate is available, the DSP will support the attending physician in requesting an examination of the implicated animal if postexposure prophylaxis is consideredor recommended (see section 3.3) or if the results of the examination could have an influence on the nature of the intervention. [...] The decision to prescribe prophylaxis following exposure to a nonhuman primate must be made on the basis of four important variables: the source of the exposure, the nature of the substance to which the person was exposed, the nature of the injury, and the provision of first aid care.