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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The unnamed sailor was sent on a minesweeping mission when he was scratched by a monkey while on shore leave in Phuket, Thailand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The unidentified personnel were flown to the Chief’s forward post in Sasebo, Japan, to receive proper medical attention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Navy has confirmed that the sailor is in stable condition and the mission has not been delayed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
According to officials, the incident is a reminder of the unexpected difficulties that military personnel may face even outside the combat zone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n