Hantavirus

Member of the Bunyavirus family, enveloped virus with three, spherical -ssRNA segments.

Cell culture

Field rodents (mice, rats, voles, lemmings) and mammals including humans.

Aerosol transmission from infected rodents via urine, feces, and saliva. Virus may also be transmitted by contact with mucous membranes, broken skin and bite of an infected host. Human to human transmission is very rare and has not occurred in the US.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS): Fever, conjunctival injection, prostration, lower back and abdominal pain, anorexia and vomiting. After 3-6 days, hemorrhagic manifestation occurs and is followed by hypotension, proteinuria, and shock.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Disease begins with fever, chills, myalgia, and hypotension. Death then occurs in approximately 35% of US cases due to pulmonary edema and shock.

Unknown.

3-60 days. 2 to 4 weeks (range from few days to 2 months) for HFRS; and 14-17 days for HPS

None available

None available

Ribavirin giving IV may be effective for HFRS. No treatment available for HPS (only supportive therapy).

Monitor for symptoms and test using serology.

Report all exposures.

There have been documented occupational exposures to Old World hantaviruses by laboratory personnel.

Aerosol and droplet exposure from urine, respiratory secretions, saliva, and feces of mice and rats, parenteral inoculation, and rodent bites.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Hantavirus Information

ICTV Information

Manipulation of sera from potentially infected humans.

Manipulation of potentially infected tissue samples and rodent serum.

Manipulation of cell cultures.

Animal studies involving infected rodents that cannot excrete the virus.

Viral inoculation of rodents susceptible to chronic infection

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. Follow the manufacturer's label instructions to determine the amount of contact time required 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 1% sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, and 2% gluteraldehyde.

Inactivated by heat (1 hour at 60°C) and acidic conditions (pH≤5).

Dried cell cultures (2 days), salt solutions with 1% bovine albumin at -60°C (5 years).

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

Depending on the risk assessment, respirators may be required when working with conotoxins. Fit testing and training is required annually per Emory's Respiratory Program (PDF).