Virology / Serology - Arbovirus
General Information
Historically, North Carolina has been an area endemic for several arboviruses (insect transmitted diseases) most notably Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and LaCrosse Encephalitis viruses (LAC). These mosquito-borne viruses appear to be increasing in activity within the last decade. More recently, West Nile Virus (WNV) established itself in our state after first appearing in the western hemisphere in New York in 1999 and has spread rapidly. In 1999, WNV was detected in 4 states. In 2000, WNV had spread to 13 states. By 2001 WNV activity had been detected in 28 states. (For detailed distribution of WNV in the U.S. please visit the US Geological Survey website for maps of human, wild bird, horse and mosquito data reported to the CDC at http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/west_nile_virus/wnv_map.jsp
In humans, WNV usually causes mild flu-like illness that can include fever, headache, body aches, rash and swollen lymph glands. In more serious infections symptoms can include a severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and very rarely death. The incubation period is usually 3 to 15 days. In a minority of cases the disease may be severe, with central nervous system involvement.
Timely laboratory testing for WNV and other arboviral infections, include EEE and LAC is avaialble at the NCSLPH free of charge via serology, viral isolation and molecular amplification. All positive results are promptly telephoned to the submitting physician or hospital at the number provided. A diagnostic serologyc panel will be performed on all serum suspected for arbovirus that includes testing for IgG antibodies to EEE, LAC, WNV, Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) by immunofluorescence (IFA). All serum received will also be testing for IgM antibodies to WNV and LAC by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). For more information about these viruses go to http://cdc.gov.
Specimen Acceptance Policy
Only serum and CSF may be submitted for serologic testing. Specimens submitted to the Virology/Serology Laboratory must be accompanied by a fully completed submission DHHS form #3445. Failure to supply the requested information may result in significantly delayed specimen testing. Tests must be requested by name. Nonspecific requests for “viral studies” or “viral serologies” will not be accepted. Consult with the laboratory if there is a quesetions as to which test is appropriate.
Both acute and convalescent paired serum specimens should be submitted. CSF specimens can be submitted (only with a companion serum).
For detailed information concerning Specimen Shipping and Specimen Reporting, refer to SCOPE: A Guide to Services on the NCLSPH Website.
Contacts
To contact the Virology/Serology laboratory of the N.C. State Laboratory of Public Health, call (919) 733-7544.
Additional Information
For additional information on West Nile virus and other arboviruses please visit:
- North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Public Health PestManagement: http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm/index.htm
- N.C. Epidemiology: www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oee/wnv.html
- N.C. Department of Agriculture: www.ncagr.gov/vet/DiseaseAlerts.htm
- CDC-West Nile: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
- Spotlight-WNV prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/2002spotlight.htm
- Arboviruses: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/
- LaCrosse: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/lacfact.htm
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/eeefact.htm
- US Geological Survey maintains maps of human, wild bird, horse and mosquito data reported to the CDC: http://westnilemaps.usgs.gov/2002/
See also:
- Virus Culture
- Rabies Virus
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Syphilis
- Special Serology
- CDC Referral
- Arbovirus
