Oropouche Virus (OROV)

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arbovirus belonging to the Simbu serogroup of the genus Orthobunyavirus in the Peribunaviridae family. Spherical, enveloped virus measuring 80 – 120nm with a segmented, negative-sense single stranded RNA genome.

Cell culture. The virus for example can infect HeLa cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and is released to the cytoplasm through acidification of the endosome.

OROV infects humans, monkeys, sloths, rodents and birds.

Risk of vertical transmission during pregnancy, and possible adverse impacts on the fetus, including fetal death or congenital abnormalities.

The virus is primarily transmitted by the culicoides midge as well as the culex and aedes mosquitoes. Accidental air-borne infection has been reported in laboratory conditions, which suggests that infection may occur as a result of inhalation of aerosols.

OROV fever is an acute febrile illness that generally lasts 2-7 days, with some symptoms (weakness and malaise) persisting up to 2-4 weeks. In 60% of patients, symptoms can reoccur a few days or even weeks later. Typically, disease symptoms start with the abrupt onset of fever with headache (often severe), chills, myalgia, and arthralgia. Other signs and symptoms include photophobia, dizziness, retroorbital or eye pain, nausea/vomiting, or maculopapular rash starting on trunk and goes to extremities. The symptoms of OROV disease can resemble symptoms of dengue, chikungunya, or Zika viruses, or malaria.

Unknown

Average 3-10 days.

No commercial vaccine available. Avoid midge or mosquito bites in endemic areas by using repellants or full body clothing (long sleeves and pants) during field work.

Evidence of the virus can be detected in serum samples during the first week of infection. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can be performed to detect viral RNA in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the acute phase of illness. Plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs) can be performed to detect virus-specific neutralizing antibodies in serum and CSF. Contact state or local health department for assistance with determining if samples need to be sent for testing.

There are no medicines to treat OROV disease. Supportive care is recommended for clinical management of patients. Patients who develop more severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive treatment.

Self-report any acquired influenza-like symptoms, daily temperature recording, and self-isolate for further medical evaluation.

Report any accidents/exposures.

Pre-1981, one laboratory worker was accidentally infected orally and another worker was most likely infected by the respiratory route.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition

https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/oropouche-virus.html

OROV requires BSL3/ABSL3 containment.

Contain the spill by covering with paper towels or damming to prevent spread. Don appropriate PPE. Apply an appropriate disinfectant working from the perimeter towards the center. Allow 30 minutes of contact time before disposal and cleanup of spill materials.

Contain the spill, notify and evacuate others in the area, then contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-357-1821) or the EHSO Emergency 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. Accidents/Exposures are reported in H.O.M.E. via Self-Service portal. Emory HR website > Self-Service > Workplace Health> Report

OROV can be inactivated by 2% glutaraldehyde, formalin, paraformaldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, non-ionic surfactants (Tween-20 and Tween-80), ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, and iodophor compounds.

Specific parameters of inactivation are unknown for OROV, but in general, viral genomic RNA becomes denatured at temperatures higher than 60°C.

The viability of OROV outside of the host is unknown, but Puumala hantavirus, which belongs to the same order as OROV, remained infectious in bank vole cage beddings for 12-15 days at room temperature after removal of the infected animals.

Contact USDA/APHIS for additional guidance. OROV is included on the US DOC Commerce Control Listing, researchers must contact ORA RCRA Export Controls for review and guidance on obtaining DOC Permits.