Powassan Virus (POWV)

Flaviviridae; 40-50 nm diameter, enveloped, single stranded RNA.

Vero E6 cells (ATCC^® CRL-1586™), suckling mouse (i.c. or i.p. inoculation), weaning mouse (i.c. inoculation), or swine kidney cells.

Not a Select Agent. Notifiable disease in the United States. USDA/APHIS permit required for shipment.

Humans, woodchuck, snowshoe hare, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks, domesticated cats and dogs.

POWV spreads to people through the bite of an infected tick. People do not develop high enough levels of the virus in their blood to infect biting ticks. As a result, people are considered “dead-end” hosts for Powassan virus.

Importantly, ticks can harbor and transmit one or more pathogens including Borrelia, POWV, Babesia and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma.

Mostly asymptomatic. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, fever. POWV can also cause fatal neuro-invasive disease in the form of encephalitis or meningitis. Approximately 10% of POWV encephalitis cases are fatal.

Unknown.

1 week to 1 month.

None.

None.

Healthcare providers diagnose POWV infection based on signs and symptoms and/or history of possible exposure to ticks. Diagnosis is conducted through laboratory testing of blood or spinal fluid. Molecular tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on serum, CSF, and tissue specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if positive, can confirm an infection.

There is no medication to treat POWV infection.

Serological studies or isolation of virus from blood

Work with POWV must be approved by the Biosafety Office. Report all incidents.

Laboratory-acquired infections (LAI) have been reported including some with serious long-term health problems. LAIs by POWV have been attributed to aerosols from contaminated solutions or animal bedding, accidental parenteral inoculation, or contact with broken skin.

The source specimens were blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine or exudates.

Powassan Information

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Powassan encephalitis virus

Powassan Virus: An Emerging Arbovirus of Public Health Concern in North America

A Guide to the Powassan Virus (PDF)

BSL2+ containment is required for handling samples-suspected to be infected with POWV and fixed and unfixed tick samples. Appropriate safety procedures should always be used with these materials.

Biosafety containment requirements: BSL2+ means BSL2 containment (restricted access, all work with POWV should be conducted inside the biosafety cabinet) with BSL3 practices and PPE. Lab-specific procedures (SOPs) will outline specific containment and practices and PPE.

BSL3/ABSL3 containment is required for propagation of the POWV and or for use in animal models.

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. An EPA-registered disinfectant should be used to remove contaminating matter from surfaces (e.g., of bench tops and equipment). All decontamination litter and other disposable materials should be autoclaved.

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.

Exposures are reported in PeopleSoft > Self-Service > Workplace Health> Log into HOME>Report incident

OIM: 7:30 am- 4pm 404-686-8587

After Hours, Weekends, Holidays:

NP On Call: 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

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

Susceptible to 1% sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol.

Inactivated by heat (50-60° C for at least 30 min).

Does not survive out of host.

At minimum, personnel are required to don two pairs of gloves, closed toed shoes, solid front gown, face and eye protection, cover sleeves prior to working with samples. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs.

All procedures that may produce aerosols or involve high concentrations or large volumes should be done inside the BSC.