Police have revealed that the person who jumped into a monkey enclosure has been identified and will be spoken to - but no charges have been laid.
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A Tasmania police spokesperson added the issue was a public health matter.
Launceston City Council said coins were stolen from the moat of the enclosure at City Park on Tuesday evening, and that the person may have been exposed to the deadly Herpes B virus, which is carried by the mammals.
Director of public health, Dr Mark Veitch, said the Herpes B virus infection in humans is extremely rare, but can be serious and can cause death.
"Globally, there have been fewer than 100 reported cases of Herpes B virus infection of humans, almost all associated with significant exposure to macaque monkeys.
"Transmission of Herpes B virus from an infected monkey can occur through being bitten or scratched, and less commonly, through exposure of broken skin or mucosal membranes to fluids or tissue from an infected monkey.
Even though there are a number of monkey scratches and bites that occur globally every year, very few people have become infected with Herpes B.
There has only been one reported instance of a Herpes B infected human infecting another human.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a monkey, or who has concerns about exposure to fluids from a monkey, should seek medical advice.
Satria Dyer-Darmawan
Satria Dyer-Darmawan is a journalist for The Examiner and considers himself to be an all rounder. Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, Satria has worked in Alice Springs and North Queensland and isn't afraid to immerse himself in regional communities.
Satria Dyer-Darmawan is a journalist for The Examiner and considers himself to be an all rounder. Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, Satria has worked in Alice Springs and North Queensland and isn't afraid to immerse himself in regional communities.
