Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, Nepal, has reported that 40 people have sought medical treatment after being bitten by monkeys over the past month and a half. The surge in attacks has left residents scared to be in their own homes, with many reporting that the animals break into properties and cause havoc.
Residents report break-ins and injuries
According to reports, the monkeys travel in gangs and, once inside homes and shops, bite and scratch terrified victims. Resident Pravez Khan told Nepal News that a group of monkeys entered his home and attacked three of his family members when they tried to drive them away. Another local said he was injured while trying to remove a pack of monkeys that had just come from wrecking a shop.
The city’s Bheri Hospital is struggling to keep up with the cases. Dr. Badri Chapagain, who works at the hospital, said the rise in incidents of monkeys entering homes to bite people is a concerning new trend. The hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Nabin Darnal, said the urban monkey attacks are an unusual occurrence for the facility.
Government developing response plan
Mayor Prashant Bista said the local government is currently developing a plan to protect its people. Medical professionals have advised anyone bitten by a monkey to seek immediate attention. The city’s fearful residents are now pleading with authorities to do something about the monkey problem, which shows no signs of slowing.
The incidents in Nepalgunj come after a former Brazilian politician vowed revenge on authorities after his pet monkey died after being captured. The tufted capuchin, known as Alcebíades, had broken into a number of homes in a residential area of Bahia, leaving five people injured. The monkey was reported to have consumed alcohol and a pack of medication during the attack, which took place on Monday (October 5). The attack, which happened in a luxury gated community, left three residents, a security guard, and a military police officer injured.
