Zika Agent Information Sheet
Boston University
Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP)
617-358-7647
Agent
Zika virus is single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
Disease/Infection
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill. Symptoms are usually mild.
Pathogenicity
Causes self-limited disease. Rarely fatal. Maybe be associated with a neurological illness called Guillan-Barre syndrome.
- Special Populations at Risk
Pregnant women due to concern for possible birth defects (e.g., microcephaly). Pending, further scientific knowledge, all staff especially of child bearing age should be counseled about working with the Zika virus. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy working in the laboratory setting are of particular concern.
Biosafety Information
Risk Group/BSL
Risk Group 2
Biosafety level: BSL2/ABSL2
Modes of Transmission
By bite of infectious mosquitoes mainly Aedes spp. Mosquito. Blood borne and sexual transmission is suspected around the acute illness.
| Transmission | |
| Skin Exposure (Needlestick, animal bite, or scratch): | Accidental parenteral inoculation, direct or indirect contact with broken skin |
| Mucous Membrane Exposure Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth: | Direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes |
| Inhalation: | Unknown |
| Ingestion: | Unlikely in laboratory setting |
Host Range/Reservoir
Nonhuman and human primates are likely the main reservoirs of the virus. The primary vector is Aedes spp. mosquitoes.
Symptoms
Persons infected with Zika virus are predominantly asymptomatic, or have a mild “flu-like” or “dengue-like” illness, including abrupt onset of fever, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis, headache, prostration, and a maculopapular rash. Guillain–Barré syndrome and other neurologic effects have been reported following suspected Zika virus infection.
In the recent outbreaks in Central and South America, a high rate of birth defects, in particular microcephaly has been associated with Zika infection with some evidence of virus found in fetuses of infected mothers. It is not known to cause hemorrhagic fever. Severe illness requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Death is rare.
Incubation Period
Not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week
Viability
Susceptible to common disinfectants; 70% ethanol, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, potassium permanganate, ether, and temperatures >60°C.
Survival Outside Host
Virus stable in dried blood and exudates up to several days at room temperature
Information for Lab Workers
Laboratory PPE
PPE Personal protective equipment includes but is not limited to laboratory coats or gowns, disposable gloves, safety glasses, and mask if risk of splash.
Containment
Research should be conducted using Biosafety Level 2 practices, equipment, and facility design. Gloves should be worn when handling infected laboratory animals and when there is the likelihood of direct skin contact with infectious materials. Animal studies may be performed at ABSL-2.
In Case of Exposure/Disease
- For injuries in the lab which are major medical emergencies (heart attacks, seizures, etc…):
Medical Campus: call or have a coworker call the Control Center at 617-414–4144.
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. - For lab exposures (needle sticks, bite, cut, 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.
- Under any of these scenarios, always inform the physician of your work in the laboratory and the agent(s) that you work with.
- Provide the wallet-size agent ID card to the physician.
You will be connected with the BU Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) medical officer. ROHP will refer you to the appropriate health care location.
Vaccination
None available
Information for First Responders/Medical Personnel
Public Health Issues
Not directly transmitted from person-to-person, although case reports of probable sexual transmission. Standard precautions should be used. If an exposure concern, a report should be made to Boston Public Health Commission.
Diagnosis/Surveillance
Monitor for symptoms. There is no commercially available test for Zika virus and serology testing may result in cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses. PCR testing on plasma or serum can distinguish between Zika virus and other flaviviruses, but it is not widely available. If laboratory exposure, contact should be made with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (617) 983-6800 about testing the exposed researcher.
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. |
Treatment
There is no specific medication for treatment of a Zika virus infection. Laboratory personnel who have been exposed to Zika virus should be asked to monitor for symptoms and if they develop symptoms, use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin or other non-steroidal analgesics. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician.
If they feel worse (e.g., develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain) in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, they should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation. Immediate care of those with severe disease would include fluid resuscitation and supportive management of associated symptoms. No vaccine available.
Reproductive Health
Men or women of reproductive age are required to review Zika Virus Specific Agent Training in SciShield. A confidential medical reproductive hazard consultation can be requested at any time by contacting ROHP. If accommodation in the work environment is being considered a consultation and referral to the Equal Opportunity Office can be made.
References
CDC, Zika virus web site: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
CDC, Interim Guidelines for Pregnant Women: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6502e1.htm
CDC, travel notices: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/
Dick GW, Kitchen SF, Haddow AJ. Zika virus. I. Isolations and serological specificity. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1952 Sep;46(5):509-20.
Fauci AS, Morens DM. Zika Virus in the Americas – Yet Another Arbovirus Threat. N Engl J Med. 2016 Jan 13.
Hayes EB. Zika virus outside Africa. Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Sep;15(9):1347-50.
Schuler-Faccini L, Ribeiro EM, Feitosa IM, Horovitz DD, Cavalcanti DP, Pessoa A, Doriqui MJ, Neri JI, Neto JM, Wanderley HY, Cernach M, El-Husny AS, Pone MV, Serao CL, Sanseverino MT; Brazilian Medical Genetics Society–Zika Embryopathy Task Force. Possible Association Between Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly – Brazil, 2015. MMWR. 2016 Jan 29;65(3):59-62.
Foy BD, Kobylinski KC, Chilson Foy JL, Blitvich BJ, Travassos da Rosa A, Haddow AD, Lanciotti RS, Tesh RB. Probable non-vector-borne transmission of Zika virus, Colorado, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 May;17(5):880-2.
MMWR, Possible Association Between Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly – Brazil, 2015. January 29, 2016/ 65(3);59-62.
Revised: 2/14/23