Virus-Infected Laboratory Monkeys Escape After Mississippi Highway Accident: Public Health Alert Issued

A monkey was spotted following a truck accident in Mississippi on October 28, 2025.

Multiple virus-infected laboratory monkeys escaped after a transport truck overturned on Interstate 59 in Mississippi, creating significant public health concerns. The Jasper County Sheriff's Department confirmed via social media that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when a vehicle carrying rhesus monkeys crashed.

These monkeys were being transported from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to authorities, the escaped animals may be carrying various viruses including hepatitis C and Covid-19, which could present health risks to the public.

Local officials have issued warnings advising people to avoid approaching these animals and to immediately report any sightings. The incident remains under investigation.

The sheriff's department stated in their social media announcement: "The monkeys are approximately 40lbs, they are aggressive to humans and they require [personal protective equipment] to handle."

Local police reported that all but one of the escaped monkeys were "destroyed" later that Tuesday. "We are continuing to look for the one monkey that is still on the loose," added the sheriff's department.

Rhesus monkeys typically weigh between 9 and 26 pounds, varying by gender, and are commonly used in scientific research due to their genetic similarities to humans. Their population remains stable due to high reproduction rates, with most adult females producing at least one offspring each year.

These primates have historically contributed significantly to scientific advancement. Albert II became the first monkey sent to space by the United States in 1948, and rhesus antigens were instrumental in discovering human blood group classifications.