Dengue Virus (DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, DEN4)

Spherical enveloped virion 40-60 nm in diameter, single-stranded, positive RNA virus surround by a icosahedral nucleocapsid.

Cell culture.

Humans, mosquitoes (Aedes spp. And Stegomyia spp.), and simians

Virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, typically 2 hours after sunrise or several hours prior to sunset. Low occurrence of vertical transmission. Not directly transmitted from person to person.

• 1st Exposure: Sudden onset of fever for 3-5 days with an intense headache, myalgia, arthralgia, retroorbital pain, anorexia, and rash.

• 2nd Exposure: Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by abnormal vascular permeability, hypovolemia, and abnormal clotting mechanisms. Fatality rate is 40-50%.

Human LD50: <10 PFU. Fewer than 10 PFU led to infection in 50% of volunteers treated with an attenuated Dengue virus vaccine candidate.

Ranges from 3-15 days but is typically 4-7 days.

None available.

None available.

No specific treatment available. Take non-aspirin pain relievers and drink plenty of water.

Monitor for symptoms and confirm by serological or molecular tests.

Report all exposures.

Up to 1988, 11 cases have been reported. One case resulted from splashing infectious material in the face. Potential hazards include accidental, parenteral inoculation and contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Updated: There have been 14 reported cases of laboratory acquired infections with no deaths

Sources include blood, cerebral spinal fluid, tissues and infected mosquitoes. Environmental samples from mosquito habitats are also sources of infection.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Dengue Information

In vitro work involving the virus.

In vivo work involving infectious mosquitoes.

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA registered disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center. Allow 30 minutes of contact time before disposal and cleanup of spill materials.

Contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-727-8863),
the EHSO Office (404-727-5922), or
The Spill Response Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete an employee incident report in PeopleSoft.

7am-4pm (OIM): EUH (404-686-7941) EUHM (404-686-7106) WW (404-728-6431)

After Hours: OIM NP On Call 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

Needle Stick (OIM): EUH (404-686-8587) EUHM (404-686-2352)

Yerkes: Maureen Thompson Office (404-727-8012) Cell (404-275-0963)

Susceptible to 70% ethanol, 10% bleach, 2% glutaraldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% peracetic acid, iodophors, phenolic compounds, and 3-6% hydrogen peroxide.

Sensitive to heat and low pH.

The virus is stable in dried blood for up to 9 weeks at room temperature.

At minimum, personnel are required to don gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat, and appropriate face and eye protection prior to working with Dengue virus. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs.

Additional precautions should be taken when working with sharps. Minimize sharps use whenever possible. Adhere to recommendations listed in the Sharps Guidelines (PDF).