AS/NZS 4801
OHSAS 18001
OHS20309
SAI Global
Management of suspected exposure to Cercopithecine Herpesvirus
1 (B Virus) Procedure
December 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................... 2
2.
SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................... 2
3.
ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 2
4.
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................... 2
4.1
4.2
5.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIAN (OHP).................................................................................... 2
VETERINARIAN .......................................................................................................................... 2
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................... 2
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIAN (OHP).................................................................................... 2
SUPERVISOR ............................................................................................................................ 3
VETERINARIAN .......................................................................................................................... 3
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR SUSPECTED EXPOSURE ................................................ 3
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
FIRST AID (APPLICABLE TO PERSONS EXPOSED AND TRAINED STAFF) .............................................. 3
FIRST AID KIT ............................................................................................................................ 3
VIRAL SWABS (APPLICABLE TO PERSONS EXPOSED AND TRAINED STAFF) ........................................ 3
NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING ................................................................................................. 3
BASELINE SERUM SAMPLE- DURING WORKING HOURS ................................................................... 4
BLOOD AND VIRAL SPECIMEN COLLECTION AFTER HOURS .............................................................. 4
POST EXPOSURE COUNSELLING .................................................................................................. 5
STORAGE AND SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES TO VIDRL ....................................................................... 5
ADVICE FOR MMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES PHYSICIAN ON-CALL ........................................................ 6
VETERINARIAN ON CALL ............................................................................................................. 6
7.
MEDICAL ALERT CARD ............................................................................................................. 7
8.
REVIEW OF DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................. 7
9.
RECORDS.................................................................................................................................... 7
10.
COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................................. 7
11.
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 7
11.1
MONASH UNIVERSITY OHS DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 7
12.
DOCUMENT HISTORY ................................................................................................................ 8
13.
RESOURCE DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................................... 9
13.1
13.2
13.3
13.4
14.
CHECKLIST FOR SUSPECTED B VIRUS EXPOSURE .......................................................................... 9
EMERGENCY CONTACTS PROFORMA ......................................................................................... 10
FIRST AID FLOWCHART............................................................................................................. 11
FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS FOR WORKING WITH MACAQUE MONKEYS ............................................... 12
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 13
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 1 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
1.
PURPOSE
Thisprocedure sets out the actions that must be taken when a potential exposure to
Cercopethicine herpesvirus 1 (B virus) has occurred. Exposure could result from bites,
scratches, needle stick puncture or eye exposure when handling Macaque monkeys and
even minor exposure can result in fatality.
2.
SCOPE
This procedure applies to staff, students, contractors and visitors at Monash
University.
3.
ABBREVIATIONS
CITES
EAP
GP
LMO
LRH
MARP
MMC
NHMRC
OHP
OHNC
OH&S
RMH
VIDRL
4.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna &
Flora
Employee Assistance Program
General Practitioner
Local Medical Officer
Latrobe Regional Hospital
Monash Animal Research Platform
Monash Medical Centre
National Health and Medical Research Council
Occupational Health Physician
Occupational Health Nurse Consultant
Monash Occupational Health and Safety
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory
DEFINITIONS
A comprehensive list of definitions is provided in the Definitions tool. Definitions
specific to this procedure are provided below.
4.1
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIAN (OHP)
Occupational Health Physician is a highly trained medical specialist and
member of Occupational Health and Safety, who provides a wide range of
services relating to the health of staff/students. This may encompass
prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
4.1.1
4.2
VETERINARIAN
Veterinarians are tertiary trained professionals whose specialty is in
diagnosing and treating sickness, disease and injury in all types of animals at
Monash University.
5.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
A comprehensive list of OHS responsibilities is provided in the OHS Roles, Committees
and Responsibilities Procedure. The responsibilities specific to this procedure are
summarised below.
5.1
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIAN (OHP)
The OHP is responsible for the development of procedures and provision of
specialist advice on issues concerning suspected exposure to B virus or any
related areas when required.
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 2 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
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5.2
SUPERVISOR
Supervisors are responsible for carrying out a series of notifications and
actions immediately after being advised of a suspected exposure to
Cercopethicine herpesvirus 1 (B virus). Refer to section 6.4.
5.3
VETERINARIAN
The veterinarian is responsible for the care of the monkeys, specimen taking
and liaison with VIDRL, OHP and OH&S.
6.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR SUSPECTED EXPOSURE
A summarised version of the procedure is available as a checklist in Section 13.
6.1
FIRST AID (APPLICABLE TO PERSONS EXPOSED AND TRAINED STAFF)
Adequate and timely First Aid in the first few minutes following suspected
exposure is CRITICAL for prevention of B Virus infection.
Wound:

massage wound to make it bleed

immediately scrub thoroughly with betadine or chlorhexidine for 15
minutes

rinse well with water
Eye:

irrigate with flowing water for 15 minutes
6.2
FIRST AID KIT
A dedicated first aid kit for use following suspected exposure to macaques
should be available in the immediate vicinity. Contents of the First Aid kit are
detailed in Section 11.4.
6.3
VIRAL SWABS (APPLICABLE TO PERSONS EXPOSED AND TRAINED STAFF)
Viral swabs must be collected for further testing following a suspected exposure
and stored according to 6.8.2.
Wound: (FOR ALL INCIDENTS, NO MATTER HOW TRIVIAL)

after cleaning as above, swab the wound for viral culture (3-5ml screw
top vial with 1- 2ml transport medium)

label vial clearly with:
- name of patient
- date of birth
- date and time of sample collection

dry and cover with wound dressing
Eye:

no swab to be taken
6.4
NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING
The injured staff member/student must inform their supervisor who is then
responsible for carrying out the following notifications and actions:
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 3 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14





Report incident to the Manager, MARP;
Report incident to Occupational Health Nurse Consultant
If neither of the above persons are available notify the Manager, OHS;
Report incident to Biosafety Officer, MARP;
Report the injury using the online
Hazard and Incident Reporting System; and
Notify the veterinarian on call.

6.5
BASELINE SERUM SAMPLE- DURING WORKING HOURS
This section is relevant to treating doctors.
Following the administration of first aid and taking of swabs, the injured staff
member or student should go immediately to the local hospital or nominated
GP or Monash Medical Centre (MMC) for:
a)
Consultation and counselling; and
b)
Collection of a serum sample – The doctor will arrange for a 5 ml blood
sample using a non-Heparinised serum collection tube. Blood must be
spun, serum removed and sample frozen. This provides a baseline
antibody level.
The staff member or student should take a copy of this procedure with
them.
6.5.1
For staff /students taken to the local hospital or nominated GP, the
treating doctor must notify the on-call Infectious Disease Physician at
MMC and an appointment arranged within 24 hours. A 24 hour
service is provided by both MMC and the local Hospital.
If for some reason the on-call physician at MMC is unable to contact
a senior physician for advice, including particular advice about
specimen collection, VIDRL may be contacted through the RMH
switch board (phone 9342 7000)
6.5.2
6.6
It is the staff member/students responsibility to maintain follow up
contact as advised following initial consultation.
BLOOD AND VIRAL SPECIMEN COLLECTION AFTER HOURS
This section is relevant to treating doctors.
6.6.1
Where patient specimens have not already been taken, then
following the taking of a history and examination, the following should
be followed:
a)
Collect blood sample from patient- (the 5 ml blood sample in
a non-Heparinised tube used for the 0.5-2ml baseline serum
sample). The blood must be spun, serum removed and
sample frozen.
b)
The patient should be given instructions to attend the
Infectious Diseases Unit for follow up. The frequency of
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 4 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
visits may vary depending on individual situation and risk.
Repeated tests may be necessary if the patient becomes ill
within this period.
6.7
POST EXPOSURE COUNSELLING
Counselling of the patient should be offered as soon as is reasonably
practicable and may be arranged by the person, supervisor, OHP or their
delegate. The University’s Employee Assistance Program is available 24
hours a day on 1800 350 359.
6.8
STORAGE AND SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES TO VIDRL
This section is applicable to staff taking viral swabs, doctors and
veterinarians.
B virus is an orphan disease in that it happens rarely, and as such using a
specialty lab is often the most prudent way to handle potential exposures,
active cases, and monitoring for recurrent infections. These specialised
laboratories are located in the UK (London) and USA (Georgia).
6.8.1
Permits are now required by the Australian Government for exporting
blood and viral samples overseas. Early contact with VIDRL helps to
expedite this process which can take up to 4 weeks.
6.8.2
In most cases Gribbles Pathology will pick up and deliver specimens
to VIDRL. If this is not possible then refer to Section 6.10Veterinarian on call.
Note: VIDRL will contact the selected laboratory directly and confirm
details for submission of specimens and apply for permits for the
transfer of specimens with the Australian Government.
6.8.3
Specimen Storage and transport
a)
Viral swabs from a staff member or student should be
refrigerated (4°C) until ready for dispatch to VIDRL.
b)
Blood samples should be spun down and serum frozen.
Alternatively the serum sample can be refrigerated (2-6°C
for up to a week). If refrigeration is not available, whole
blood can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
c)
For transport to VIDRL place blood sample and viral swabs
in a plastic bag, seal and place in small thermally insulated
container together with an ice pack to keep chilled. Samples
must be labelled with the:





Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
patient’s name
date of birth
list of specimens being submitted
date of collection and
be addressed to nominated VIDRL contact and
labelled B Virus
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 5 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
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6.9
6.10
d)
Place accompanying paperwork in a separate plastic bag
from specimens.
e)
Seal container and attach address label with strong
adhesive tape.
f)
Arrange transportation to VIDRL as soon as possible.
g)
Specimens received by VIDRL (human and monkey) will be
dispatched as soon as possible to a nominated reference
laboratory overseas.
h)
Follow up contact by the University’s Occupational Health
Physician and/or the Veterinarians with VIDRL should be
maintained to ensure that any requests for further
specimens can be acted upon promptly.
i)
Viral swabs and blood samples from the macaque monkey
will normally be submitted to VIDRL by the on-call
veterinarian.
ADVICE FOR MMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES PHYSICIAN ON-CALL

A patient potentially exposed to the B virus is a difficult clinical problem
requiring Senior Infectious Diseases Physicians conversant with up-todate information on the disease.

An appointment to be seen within 24 hours of the potential B Virus
exposure must be made with the Infectious Diseases Unit Outpatients
Clinic. Call MMC (03) 9594 6666 and ask for the Infectious Diseases
on-call Registrar. Arrangements will be made at this time.
VETERINARIAN ON CALL

The Veterinarian needs to attend as soon as possible to collect samples
of blood and buccal swabs from the macaque monkey concerned. Also
at this time, the macaque is examined for any signs of disease
especially oral ulcers or vesicles on any part of the body.

Blood must be spun, serum removed and sample frozen. Viral swabs
with transport medium must be kept in stock by the veterinarian.
Samples need to be sent to VIDRL in Parkville. For Gippsland campus
only, Gribbles Pathology in Moe can organize delivery of samples. Hand
deliver samples to the Moe office.

For contact with VIDRL in Parkville, phone (03) 9342 9654, or the
nominated person in the viral or polio laboratory (03) 9342 2607.

The nominated VIDRL contact will source a CITES permit and organize
World Couriers to transport specimens to national B Virus Resource
Laboratory in the Centre for Disease Control at Georgia State
University, Atlanta. The process takes 2 weeks to ship the samples and
approximately 5 weeks to receive results.

VIDRL are in charge of the sample transportation and permit
application. In an unforeseen circumstance e.g. where there is a delay
in permits being issued, the nominated contact for CITES permits is the
Department of Environment and Water Resources, Wildlife Trade
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 6 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
Assessment (ph.02 62741985) should direct contact be needed. The
director of the laboratory in Atlanta is contactable on +404 358 8168
7.
MEDICAL ALERT CARD
Your Supervisor will provide a medical alert card that must be carried at all times by
staff and students with a potential for occupational exposure to macaque monkeys.
This must be shown to medical staff at the clinic or hospital following any suspected
exposure.
8.
REVIEW OF DOCUMENTATION
All procedure documents, information sheets and risk management plans associated
with the use of macaques at Monash University must be reviewed annually by a
working group composed of staff from MARP, OH&S and other persons as
appropriate.
All documentation e.g. flow charts, emergency contact details and B virus first aid
information must be reviewed and updated by the supervisor at least annually or
immediately following an incident or when a change to the documentation takes place.
9.
RECORDS
Record to be kept by
Occupational Health &
Safety (in confidential
medical files)
10.
Records

Medical records including test
results
To be kept for
100 years
COMPLIANCE
This procedure is written to meet the requirements of:
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems –
specifications with guidance for use.
OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems –
Requirements
NHMRC - Policy on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for Scientific Purposes
2011
11.
REFERENCES
11.1
MONASH UNIVERSITY OHS DOCUMENTS






Occupational Health & Safety policy
Guidelines for the development of safe work instructions
OHS Roles, Responsibilities and Committees Procedure
OHS Risk Management Procedure
Risk Management Program
First Aid Procedure
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 7 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
 Procedures for hazard & incident reporting, investigation & recording
12.
Version
number
2
3
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Date of Issue
Changes made to document
August 2012
Procedures for the Management of suspected exposure to
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v2
Management of suspected exposure to Cercopithecine
Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus) Procedure, v3
November 2014
1. Definitions- added definition of OHNCOccupational Health Nurse Consultant.
2. In sections 6.1, 6.3, 6.5, 6.5.1, 6.6 and 6.8 added
who the instructions are applicable to.
3. Updated phone number in section 6.10
4. Added OHNC as first point of contact in section
13.1.
OHNC will then contact the OHP .
5. The emergency contact details in section 13.2 were
changed to OHNC contact details.
6. Section 13.3 - Added Flowchart.
7. Local GP deleted. La Trobe Regional Hospital will
now be where the injured person will first be seen.
8.11.4 - Added first aid injury reports.
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 8 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
13.
RESOURCE DOCUMENTS
13.1
CHECKLIST FOR SUSPECTED B VIRUS EXPOSURE

First aid and wound cleaning – CRITICAL that this is timely and adequate!

Specimens/Samples taken






Human blood sample - collected as close as possible to the time of injury
for baseline serum.
Macaque blood sample - collected as close as possible to the time of injury
for baseline serum.
Human viral swab - samples from the wound or exposed area.
Macaque viral swab - samples from the buccal cavity, both eyes and
genitalia, collected separately in separate media tubes as soon as possible
after the injury.
Consultation with infectious diseases specialist within 24 hours – contact
Monash Medical Centre (MMC) Infectious Diseases Unit physician on-call.
Notify






Supervisor;
MARP Biosafety Officer;
MARP Animal Services Manager;
OHNC (who will notify OHP);
OH&S and;
Veterinarian

Incident report lodged

Follow-up and repeat blood tests (serum specimen) in 3 weeks

Label human specimen of blood and viral swab with:




Patient’s name;
Date of birth;
Date of collection;
Time of collection.

Send specimens to VIDRL (Gribbles Pathology will collect and deliver)

Take copy of procedures to hospital

Veterinarians to commence permit process with VIDRL

Storage of specimens appropriate
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 9 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
13.2
EMERGENCY CONTACTS PROFORMA
This proforma must be completed for each local area.
MARP Management
Director Facility
manager
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Veterinarians
Drs
BH XXX XXXX
MMC – Infectious Diseases Unit
Head and ID registrar
xxxxxxxxxx
Local Hospital Emergency Department
Address 1
Address 2
VIDRL
Contact name
10 Wreckyn St
North Melbourne
xxxxxxxxxx
BH XXX XXXX
Mobile XXX XXXX
After hours –RMH switch XXX XXXX
OH&S Monash University
Manager OH&S
Occupational Health Nurse Consultant
OHS Consultant MARP
LMO at Gippsland /Clayton
Dr
Health Centre
Address 1
Address 2
BH XXX XXXX
BH XXX XXXX
BH/AH XXX XXXX
BH
Laboratories that perform tests for B virus
Contact name
Laboratory
Address 1
Address 2
Email
XXX XXXX
XXX XXXX
Contact name
Laboratory
Address 1
Address 2
Address 3
Email
XXX XXXX
XXX XXXX
Monash Employee Assistance Provider
XXX XXXX
Date: …………………. Date of next Review……………….
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 10 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
13.3
FIRST AID FLOWCHART
Bite, scratch or needlestick
Eye splash with urine, faeces, blood or
secretions
Massage the wound to make bleed
Rinse eyes immediately with
running water
Scrub wound with betadine or
chlorohexidine for 15 minutes
Continue washing eyes for 15
minutes
Rinse with water
Swab wound for viral culture and
complete label details
Dry, cover with dressing
Report to
supervisor and
OHNC (OHP) on
990 51014
Clayton:
Go to Monash Medical Centre and consult the on-call Infectious Diseases Physician (03) 9594 6666
Gippsland:
Go to Latrobe Regional Hospital, Emergency Department (03) 51238000
The treating doctor must contact Monash Medical Centre and consult with the Infectious Diseases
Physician on (03) 9594 6666 to arrange an appointment at MMC as necessary
Take with you:
A copy of these procedures and your medical alert card
The viral swab and the blood sample are to be sent via Gribbles Pathology to:
VIDRL – attn Senior Laboratory Manager
Report incident to Biosafety Officer and/or Safety Officer and complete OHS Hazard and Incident Report
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 11 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
13.4
FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS FOR WORKING WITH MACAQUE MONKEYS
Refer to First Aid Procedure
Equipment
1.
2.
Eye wash facilities to ensure continuous fresh water stream for at least 15
minutes.
First Aid kit clearly labeled “First Aid kit – following exposure to macaques".
First Aid Kit Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Clean disposable scrub brush .......................................................................................... 2
Basin for soaking large wounds ....................................................................................... 1
Sterile gauze pads (different sizes) for soaking and dressing of wounds ........................ 8
Bottle of betadine or chlorhexidine ................................................................................... 2
Melolin various sizes - .............................................................................................. 4 pads
Micropore tape roll ............................................................................................................ 1
Bandages ......................................................................................................................... 2
Eye-wash bottle (Eyestream) ........................................................................................... 2
Surgical gloves ......................................................................................................... 8 pairs
Biohazard bags bags…………………………………………………………………………….2
First Aid Injury Reports………………………………………………………………………Book
Written Procedures
1.
2.
Laminated B virus first aid flow chart (section 13.3) ............................................... 1 copy
Cercopithecine Herpes virus 1 (BVirus) .............................................................. 2 copies
Specimen Collection And Culture Materials
1.
2.
Sterile cotton or dacron swabs (without metal shafts)
Screw-top vials (3-5 ml) containing 1-2 ml of virus transport medium
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 12 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14
14.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. We collected the samples, but then they did not get transferred as scheduled. Are they still
acceptable?
Virus cultures can be stable in a refrigerator for up to one week. If they are stored at ≤ -60° C, they
may be stable for a month or longer. Serum samples can be stable in a refrigerator for up to one
week. If they are stored at ≤ -20° C, they may be stable for several months.
2. Why are 2 blood samples taken from an individual who has been potentially exposed to B
virus as a result of an injury?
Two samples are recommended because the first one represents antibodies you may have at the time
of an injury. The second sample is evaluated along with the first sample so that a comparison can be
made between the two.
3. Why is it important to promptly swab the monkey associated with the injury?
Swabs taken immediately after an incident inform you of whether the macaque was shedding virus at
that time. It is recommended that NHP swabs be collected within 4 hours of an exposure.
4. Where can we get Medical Alert cards to carry to alert medical personnel to the fact that we
work with macaques?
Your supervisor will provide Medical Alert cards to all staff and students who may come into contact
with macaques.
5. Why should I carry a Medical Alert card indicating that I have been around macaques?
In the past, individuals who have been infected by B virus, but not treated early enough to prevent
fatality, have shown up in emergency rooms disoriented, distressed, and unable to provide useful
information to medical personnel. These cards will alert health care workers to the fact that you work
or have worked with macaques. As a result they can order tests that can quickly rule out whether your
symptoms are due to B virus.
6. Blood samples are sent to a specific specialised laboratory overseas. Why don’t other labs
test humans for B virus antibodies?
B virus is an orphan disease in that it happens rarely, and as such a specialty lab is often the most
prudent way to handle potential exposures, active cases, and monitoring for recurrent infections.
These specialised laboratories are located in UK (London) and USA (Georgia).
Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 1 (B Virus), v3
Date of first issue: September 2009
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: December 2014
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
Page 13 of 13
Date of next review: 2017
06/11/14