Research shows that humans can spread rhinovirus C to these animals.
Rhinoviruses are the most common pathogens in humans and are responsible for the common cold. In 2006, a new, the most severe of all, rhinovirus C was discovered, which can be particularly severe when it affects children. And now, a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine has revealed that chimpanzees are also affected.
It all began in 2013, when five chimpanzees died in Uganda's Kibala Nature Reserve. Now, researchers have analyzed the faecal remains of the still-preserving dead animals and discovered that it was rhinovirus C that killed them.
In addition, tests have revealed that the animals were infected by humans. They explain that the interaction between both species is increasing due to the appearance of new populations near nature reserves and tourism. Until now, these primates were thought to be immune to this virus, but new research has found that they are not, and it attacks them with the same virulence as children.