Usutu virus (USUV) Agent Information Sheet

Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP)
Boston University
617-358-7647

Agent

Usutu virus (USUV) is an African mosquito-borne flavivirus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex and is closely related to the Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus.

  • Disease/Infection
    Usutu virus symptoms can include fever, rash, and neurological disorders
  • Pathogenicity
    A flavivirus present in mosquitos, and rarely infected humans.
  • Biosafety Information
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  • Risk Group/BSL
    Risk Group 2
    Biosafety level: BSL2/ABSL2
  • Modes of Transmission
    Transmitted by mosquitos, birds infected (predominately blackbirds)

    Transmission
    Skin Exposure (Needlestick, animal bite, or scratch):Accidental parenteral inoculation or exposure to non-intact skin
    Mucous Membrane Exposure Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth:Direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes
    Inhalation:Unlikely unless aerosolized
    Ingestion:Unlikely unless aerosolized
  • Host Range/Reservoir
    Complex life cycle, involving several birds species as primary hosts, predominantly blackbirds, mosquitos as primary vectors, and humans, horses, and other mammals as incidental hosts.
  • Symptoms
    Fever, rash, fulminant hepatitis, and neurological disorders including meningoencephalitis and coma. Severe disease predominantly in those with compromised immune systems.
  • Incubation Period
    Unknown
  • Viability
    Susceptible to 70% alcohol, 1% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% glutaraldehyde
  • Survival Outside Host
    Unknown

    • Information for Lab Workers

  • Laboratory PPE
    BSL-2 precautions – lab coat, gown, and gloves. Wear eye protection if splash risk.
  • Containment
    BSL-2 and ABSL-2 practices
  • In Case of Exposure/Disease
  • 1. For injuries in the lab which are major medical emergencies (heart attacks, seizures, etc…):
    1. Medical Campus: call or have a coworker call the Control Center at 617-414–4144.
    2. Charles River Campus: call or have a coworker call campus security at 617-353-2121. You will be referred to or transported to the appropriate health care location by the emergency response team.
    3. For lab exposures (needle sticks, bite, cut, scratch, splash, etc…) involving animals or infectious agents, or for unexplained symptoms or illness call the ROHP 24/7 hour number (1-617-358-ROHP (7647); or, 8-ROHP (7647) if calling from an on-campus location) to be connected with the BU Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) medical officer. ROHP will refer you to the appropriate health care location.
    4. Under any of these scenarios, always inform the physician of your work in the laboratory and the agent(s) that you work with.
    5. Provide the wallet-size agent ID card to the physician.
  • Vaccination
    None available.

    • Information for First Responders/Medical Personnel

    1. Public Health Issues
      After exposure: No human to human transmission.
      In case of illness: Standard precautions
      PPE: Standard precautions
    2. Diagnosis/Surveillance
      Diagnosed by PCR or 4 times rise in acute and convalescent serum specimens on blood serology—IgM and IgG response (EIA or MJ)
    3. First Aid/Post Exposure Prophylaxis
      Perform one of the following actions:

      Skin Exposure (Needlestick or scratch):Immediately go to the sink and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. Decontaminate any exposed skin surfaces with an antiseptic scrub solution.
      Mucous Membrane Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth:Exposure should be irrigated vigorously.
      Splash Affecting Garments:Remove garments that may have become soiled or contaminated and place them in a double red plastic bag.
    4. Treatment
      There is no treatment other than supportive care.
    5. References
      Ashraf U, Ye J, Ruan X, Wan S, Zhu B, Cao S. Usutu Virus: An Emerging Flavivirus in Europe. Johnson K, ed. Viruses. 2015;7(1):219-238. doi:10.3390/v7010219.Weissenböck H, Bakonyi T, Rossi G, Mani P, Nowotny N. Usutu Virus, Italy, 1996. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2013;19(2):274-277. doi:10.3201/eid1902.121191.Vázquez A, Ruiz S, Herrero L, et al. West Nile and Usutu Viruses in Mosquitoes in Spain, 2008–2009. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2011;85(1):178-181. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0042.

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