Escaped Monkeys in Mississippi Not Infectious, Tulane University Confirms

A truck transporting research monkeys crashed in Mississippi last Monday, leading to widespread misinformation about the escaped animals allegedly carrying dangerous diseases, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred on October 28 when a vehicle carrying rhesus monkeys overturned on Interstate 59 in Jasper County, Mississippi. Initial reports from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department claimed the escaped animals were “aggressive” and carriers of multiple serious diseases including COVID-19, hepatitis C, and herpes.

These initial claims prompted alarm on social media platforms, with posts warning about “aggressive virus-infected monkeys” circulating widely on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Threads, and Reddit. The story quickly gained traction, raising public health concerns in surrounding communities.

However, Tulane University, initially identified as the source of the animals, issued a statement the same day contradicting the sheriff department’s claims. “The primates in question belong to another entity and aren’t infectious,” the university stated on X. University representatives later clarified to NBC News that the monkeys “were NOT being transported by Tulane” despite early reports linking them to the institution.

The confusion appears to have originated from statements made by the truck driver. According to a follow-up post by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, “The driver of the truck told local law enforcement that the monkeys were dangerous and posed a threat to humans.” This misinformation led to drastic action.

In a concerning development, local authorities initially reported they had “destroyed” all but one of the escaped monkeys based on the false information about disease risks. The sheriff’s department later amended their statement, noting that three monkeys remained unaccounted for after Tulane officials arrived at the scene and helped establish an accurate count of the animals involved.

Rhesus monkeys, native to Asia, are commonly used in scientific research due to their physiological similarities to humans. These primates typically measure up to 25 inches in length and can weigh up to 24 pounds. While Encyclopedia Britannica describes them as “docile” when young, they may become more “bad-tempered” as they mature, which could explain some concerns about their behavior.

Health experts note that the diseases initially attributed to the escaped monkeys spread through very specific means. Herpes transmits primarily through skin-to-skin contact, while hepatitis C spreads through exposure to infected blood. COVID-19, though an airborne virus, presents a relatively low risk of animal-to-human transmission according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges at the intersection of research animal transportation, public safety protocols, and crisis communication. Misinformation during emergency situations can lead to unnecessary panic and, as in this case, potentially harmful responses.

Authorities have not disclosed which research facility the monkeys were destined for or the exact purpose of their transportation. Standard protocols for transporting research primates typically include strict containment measures and health certifications.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information during emergencies and the potential consequences of acting on unconfirmed reports, especially when dealing with research animals that play important roles in medical and scientific advancement.

Local officials have not yet provided updates on whether the remaining escaped monkeys have been located or captured.