A US Navy sailor had to be medically evacuated after being attacked by a monkey en route to the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports.
The unnamed sailor was sent on a minesweeping mission when he was scratched by a monkey while on shore leave in Phuket, Thailand.
The unidentified personnel were flown to the Chief’s forward post in Sasebo, Japan, to receive proper medical attention.
The Navy has confirmed that the sailor is in stable condition and the mission has not been delayed.
A spokesperson said, “The sailor received medical care and was transferred back to Japan for further care. There was no operational impact or delay to the Chief.”
One source told Axios: “Normally, you worry that sailors on shore would be at risk of contracting the disease, not from the monkeys, but from some other activity.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, macaques can spread the herpes B virus, and people who are attacked should get medical help immediately.
According to officials, the incident is a reminder of the unexpected difficulties that military personnel may face even outside the combat zone.
The sailor was part of a crew deployed aboard the USS Chief, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, which was headed to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The US continues the blockade of Iranian ports during peace negotiations.
us President donald trump He said he had ordered the US Navy to “shoot down and destroy any boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz”.
He also said that American minesweepers were working “at a triple level” to clear any mines from the water.
