Can Monkeys Carry Rabies?
Yes — monkeys can carry rabies, and monkey bites are a common reason travellers need rabies treatment abroad, especially in Asia and Africa (CDC, WHO). There are no wild monkeys in the US, so the risk is travel-related. Any monkey bite or scratch overseas should be treated as a possible rabies exposure.
For US residents this is a travel risk: monkey bites are among the most common animal exposures requiring PEP in travellers.
Key facts about monkeys and rabies
- Monkey bites are among the most common animal exposures that require rabies post-exposure treatment in international travellers.
- Free-roaming macaques at temples and tourist sites are a frequent source of bites in Asia.
- Monkeys can also transmit B-virus (herpes B), a separate and serious infection — another reason to treat any monkey bite urgently.
- Rabies immune globulin (HRIG) can be hard to find abroad, so exposed travellers may need to reach a major city or fly home to finish treatment.
What to do after a monkey bite or exposure
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical care the same day and tell them it was a monkey (rabies and B-virus both matter).
- Contact your travel insurer or nearest embassy; you may need to travel for HRIG.
- See our rabies-by-country guide and rabies-and-travel page to plan ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a rabies shot after a monkey bite?
Usually yes if you are in or returning from a rabies-endemic region. Monkey bites are a leading reason travellers receive post-exposure treatment. Wash the wound for 15 minutes and seek care the same day; B-virus may also need treatment (CDC, WHO).
Are there rabies risks from monkeys in the US?
There are no wild monkey populations in the US, so this is essentially a travel risk. The concern is bites that occur abroad in countries where rabies is common.
Related animals
See the full animal rabies overview.
Sources
This page is for general education and reflects current CDC and WHO rabies guidance. It does not replace urgent medical or veterinary advice. If you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical care promptly.