Anthroponotic Enteric Parasites in Monkeys in Public Park, China

Some infections are known to spread from animals to humans; others, from humans to animals. And some are not so neatly categorized. Recently, 3 diarrhea-causing parasites of humans were found in apparently healthy monkeys in a public park in China. How the monkeys became infected is unknown. It is possible that the parasites were spread from humans. No matter how the monkeys became infected, park visitors are at risk for infection from the monkeys. Park visitors, who are allowed to feed and play with the monkeys, should be informed that they can get diarrhea directly from the monkeys or from contaminated lake or drinking water.