Boston University
\nResearch Occupational Health Program (ROHP)
\n617-358-7647<\/p>\n
Coronaviruses are a large family of RNA viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, bats, and are cause of several epidemic and the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.\u00a0 The name corona virus derives from the characteristic crown\/spike appearance on electron micrographs. There are four major subtypes of coronaviruses relevant to humans: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s.<\/p>\n
The seven coronaviruses that can infect people are:<\/p>\n
Common human coronaviruses (worldwide incidence)<\/p>\n
-229E (alpha coronavirus)<\/p>\n
-NL63 (alpha coronavirus)<\/p>\n
-OC43 (beta coronavirus)<\/p>\n
-HKU1 (beta coronavirus)<\/p>\n
-SARS-CoV-2 (beta coronavirus that causes COVID-19)<\/p>\n
Less common but highly pathogenic human coronaviruses:<\/p>\n
-MERS-CoV (beta coronavirus causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, (MERS)<\/p>\n
-SARS-CoV (beta coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, (SARS)<\/p>\n
Transmission occurs year-round in most parts of the world and novel coronaviruses can emerge from animal reservoirs and rapidly become epidemic.<\/p>\n
COVID-19<\/p>\n
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)<\/p>\n
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)<\/p>\n
Common cold<\/p>\n
Approximately 20% of COVID-19 infections result in severe illness; the case fatality rate is thought to be around 2% but data is evolving. The 2003 SARS outbreak had a case fatality rate of 9.6% The 2012 MERS outbreak had a case fatality rate was 34%. The spectrum of disease includes mild and asymptomatic infections that may not be detected resulting in an overestimate of case fatality rates.<\/p>\n
Risk Group Biosafety Level Practices<\/p>\n
Modes of Transmission<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>Host Range\/Reservoir<\/strong><\/p>\n Bats (SARS-CoV and SARS-COV-2), camels intermediate host (MERS), civets and humans.<\/p>\n Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from mild URI symptoms to severe illness and death from lower respiratory infection. Symptoms can include:<\/p>\n <\/strong>Incubation Period 2-14 days (possibly up to 20 days). Most case onset is 5 days following exposure.<\/p>\n Viability Susceptible to: 80% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, 5% MICRO-CHEM PLUS<\/p>\n Survival Outside Host May persist on dry surfaces up to 24 hours or more. Under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, coronavirus in the research setting can persist up to 9 days.<\/p>\n Personal protective equipment includes but is not limited to laboratory coats or gowns, surgical masks, disposable gloves, safety glasses, face shield if risk of splash, and respirator (PAPR or N-95) if aerosol risk.<\/p>\n All work with SARS-CoV and MERS must be performed in BSL-3\/ABSL-3 containment.\u00a0 SARS-CoV-2 work performed at BSL-2\/ABSL-2.<\/p>\n In Case of Exposure\/Disease<\/p>\n to be connected with the BU Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) medical officer. ROHP will refer you to the appropriate health care location.<\/p>\n Vaccine available for SARS-CoV-2 virus.<\/p>\n After exposure: <\/strong>Immediately following an exposure to corona virus, the lab worker is not considered infectious. <\/strong>He\/she can be cared for with standard PPE. In case of a lab worker presenting to Boston Medical Center Emergency Department or other outside medical facility, either the exposed worker or the caring physicians should immediately contact ROHP for further instructions.<\/p>\n In case of (suspected) illness:<\/strong> Lab worker should contact ROHP directly. The worker should be assessed for the severity of disease and dispositioned to the appropriate level of medical care or home quarantine as indicated based on consultation with the local public health department.<\/p>\n Person-to-person transmission is expected after symptoms occur and may be possible before the exposed worker is symptomatic based on the incubation period.<\/p>\n Viral detection is performed via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests are available and reliable for detection of Covid-19 infection.<\/p>\n Potential alternate diagnoses with similar presentation should be considered, such as influenza or other respiratory viruses.<\/p>\n Surveillance should be performed based on the current recommendations of the local public health department.<\/p>\n Standard management of potential exposure to coronaviruses is solely based on observation, potential isolation and with symptomatic and supportive treatments.<\/p>\n No approved post exposure prophylaxis or post exposure vaccination is FDA approved.<\/p>\n Perform one of the following actions:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n <\/td>\n Transmission<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Skin Exposure (Needlestick, animal bite, or scratch):<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mucous Membrane Exposure Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth:<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Inhalation:<\/td>\n Transmission via droplets is the main route of exposure. For COVID19 airborne transmission occurs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Ingestion:<\/td>\n Unlikely in laboratory setting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n \n
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\n<\/strong><\/p>\nInformation for Lab Workers<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>Laboratory PPE<\/h3>\n
Containment<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/strong>You will be referred to or transported to the appropriate health care location by the emergency response team.<\/li>\n\n
Vaccination<\/h3>\n
Information for First Responders\/Medical Personnel<\/h2>\n
<\/strong>Public Health Issues<\/h3>\n
Diagnosis\/Surveillance<\/h3>\n
First Aid\/Post Exposure Prophylaxis<\/h3>\n