Monkey B Virus Information and Guidelines
These guidelines are to protect workers who come into contact with non-human primates, particularly macaque monkeys.
Background
Synonyms: Monkey B virus is now known as Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1. It has also been known as monkey B virus, herpes B virus, B virus or Herpesvirus simiae.
Classification: B virus is an alphaherpesvirus that infects members of the genus Macaca. Members of this genus include "Old World" monkeys such as rhesus, cynomolgus, pigtail, stumptail, and others.
Symptoms: In monkeys, infection with B virus results in lesions on the mouth, face, lips, and or genitals. The lesions heal spontaneously but may appear again sporadically in the same way that cold sores do in humans.
In humans, B virus causes an acute encephalitis that is usually fatal. Any macaque handler who has an exposure event and then notices skin lesions or symptoms such as itching, pain, or numbness near the wound or exposure site should notify the supervisor and seek medical attention immediately.
Mode of transmission: Transmission of B virus occurs through monkey bites, scratches, or contact with infected monkey tissues, cells, or fluids. Although the highest risk is through a bite of an infected monkey with active lesions, exposure of mucous membranes or broken skin to infected fluids or tissues may cause infection. Monkeys who have no active lesions may be shedding virus. The virus may be stable on cages and other surfaces, so contact with unclean cages must be considered hazardous. It is not known if the virus is transmitted by aerosol.
At risk personnel
Any employee who has direct contact with macaque monkeys is at risk of exposure to B virus. Workers who handle fluids, tissues, or primary cultures from macaques are also at risk. Commercially prepared rhesus monkey kidney cells may be contaminated with B virus; therefore those who work with these cells are also at risk.
Employees who work around macaques but not directly with them are also at risk. Although rare, B virus infection has been reported from contact with objects that had been in contact with macaques and from exposure to macaque fluids/tissues that were thrown or splashed from a distance.
Personal Protective Equipment
Animal Resources and Environmental Health and Safety require the use of personal protective equipment. Those who work in direct contact with non-human primates must wear the following personal protective equipment:
Those who work around non-human primates but who do not have direct contact must wear the same personal protective equipment, but may substitute a lab coat or surgical gown over street clothes.
Use of personal protective equipment is not optional.
Monkey Handling Practices
UF has adopted the CDC's "Guidelines for Prevention of Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) infection in monkey handlers" published in 1987. This document can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00015936.htm. These handling practices are required by Animal Resources and Environmental Health & Safety.
Exposure Events
The protocol to follow after an exposure event is published on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/bvirus.pdf
Briefly, in the event of a mucous membrane exposure, irrigate the area with free-flowing water for 15 minutes. In the event of a bite or scratch, wash the wound with soap and water for 15-20 minutes. Length of washing time is more important than the use of soap. Seek medical attention immediately at the Student Health Care Center/Infirmary during the workday or Shand's emergency room after hours.
Post exposure prophylaxis will be carried out according to CDC guidelines under the care of a university physician who is an infectious disease specialist.
April 1998