B Virus (Herpesvirus simiae) Infection in Humans: Epidemiologic Investigation of a Cluster

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Abstract
A cluster of four cases of symptomatic B virus infection in humans occurred in Pensacola, Florida, U.S.A., in March 1987. Three cases occurred in persons who worked with monkeys at a research facility, and the fourth resulted from apparent autoinoculation through use of a nonprescription skin cream. Contact tracing identified 159 persons who may have been exposed to B virus (21 had been exposed to B virus (21 had been exposed to monkeys at the facility and 138 had been exposed to one or more of the case-patients), but no further cases were identified. Comparisons of restriction endonuclease patterns from B virus isolates linked two of the three cases in monkey handlers to one clinically ill monkey and the other to a second, healthy monkey. Three risk factors for human infection were identified: nonuse of mechanical or chemical restraints for monkeys before handling, mouse of available protective gear, and direct viral inoculation through the application of a topical medication.