Cache Valley virus (CVV) Agent Information Sheet

Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP)
Boston University
617-414-7647

Agent

Cache Valley virus (CVV) is a bunyavirus first isolated in Utah in 1956 that rarely causes disease in humans. It is one of the at least nine bunyaviruses which have been isolated in North America. CVV is found throughout much of North and Central America, where it circulates in an enzootic cycle involving mammal-biting mosquitoes and ungulate hosts. Human seroprevalence of 3-19 % exists in endemic areas.

  1. Disease/Infection
    Asymptomatic infection is likely, but the true extent of disease is unknown. Only a few confirmed human cases have been reported in the literature.
  2. Pathogenicity
    CVV infection can cause an acute febrile illness with meningoencephalitis in humans. It is also suspected to cause congenital defects of the central nervous system of humans and other animals.
  3. Biosafety Information
    1. Risk Group/BSL 2
      Risk Group 2
      Biosafety level: BSL2/ABSL2
    2. Modes of Transmission
      Mosquitoes (genera culiseta, aedes, and anopheles)

      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:Unknown
      Ingestion:Unlikely in laboratory setting
  4. Host Range/Reservoir
    Mosquitoes (genera culiseta, aedes, and anopheles) and occasionally from vertebrates, especially deer, sheep, horses, and cattle.
  5. Symptoms
    Myalgias, fever, maculopapular rash, headache, low platelet count. Rare symptoms of meningoencephalitis.
  6. Incubation Period
    Unknown
  7. Viability
    Susceptible to common disinfectants: 70 % alcohol, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde. Also formaldehyde.
  8. Survival Outside Host
    Unknown

Information for Lab Workers

  1. Laboratory PPE
    BSL-2 precautions include lab coats, gown and gloves. Eye protection if splash risk.
  2. Containment
    BSL-2 and ABSL-2 practices.
  3. 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 4–4144.
      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.
    2. 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 (1-617-414-ROHP (7647); or, 4-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.
    3. Under any of these scenarios, always inform the physician of your work in the laboratory and the agent(s) that you work with.
    4. Provide the wallet-size agent ID card to the physician.
  4. Vaccination
    None available.

Information for First Responders/Medical Personnel

  1. Public Health Issues
    No risk; not directly transmitted from person-to-person. Standard precautions should be used.
  2. Diagnosis/Surveillance
    Diagnosed by PCR or 4 times rise in acute and convalescent serum specimens on blood serology – IgM and IgG response.
  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.
  5. References

    Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG, Anderson JF. Emergence of a New Lineage of Cache Valley Virus (Bunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) in the Northeastern United States. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2015;93(1):11-17. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.15-0132.

    Blitvich BJ, Saiyasombat R, Talavera-Aguilar LG, Garcia-Rejon JE, Farfan-Ale JA, Machain-Williams C, Lorono-Pino MA. Orthobunyavirus antibodies in humans, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Emerg Infect Dis. 2012;18:1629–1632.

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