The Mystery Monkey of Tampa Bay that was loose for two-plus years in Pinellas County has tested positive for herpes B.



That's pretty common for a rhesus macaque, but the disease is rarely spread to humans, experts say.



The monkey was caught by a trapper on Oct. 23 after eluding capture for two-plus years in the Jungle Estates neighborhood of St. Petersburg. Blood tests showed him to be healthy except for carrying herpes B.

Veterinarian Don Woodman, who has been examining "Cornelius" since his capture, told the Tampa Bay Times the disease is not life-threatening to the monkey and would not be a reason to euthanize him.



The virus can be dangerous for human, who can contract it by getting bitten or scratched by the monkey. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to show up. They include headache and blisters near the wound.

People who get it can develop encephalitis, a usually fatal disease that causes swelling of the brain.

But there have only been about two dozen recorded cases of herpes B in humans. About two-thirds of those cases were fatal.

Before being captured, Cornelius bit 60-year-old Elizabeth Flower outside her home. She was tested for rabies and herpes, and, according to the Times, no evidence of either disease was found.

The Pinellas county Health Department says it has received no other reports of this monkey biting or scratching other people.

Health officials do say anyone who came in contact with the monkey should be tested, though.