Virology & Biological Preparedness Division

Arbovirus Surveillance Laboratory Section

Mosquito samples are tested for the presence of select arboviruses, including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and LaCrosse virus. Samples can be submitted by local health departments through the IDOH Entomology Program. For more information on the IDOH Entomology Program, please click here.

Biothreat Laboratory Section

The Biothreat Section examines clinical specimens/isolates, and environmental samples for the presence of highly dangerous organisms and biological toxins. Since these organisms and toxins may be found naturally, the laboratory is responsible for rapidly “ruling out” the presence of these organisms and toxins from isolates sent from sentinel laboratories throughout the State.

Rabies Laboratory Section

The Rabies Laboratory performs rabies testing on animals to rule out the presence of the rabies virus. A complete description of how to submit specimens for rabies testing can be found on the Rabies Testing webpage. The Rabies Submission Guidelines poster is available as well. Results are usually available 24 hours after submission if the head/specimen is not frozen. Animal heads or specimens submitted on late Friday afternoon are held until Monday morning or the next business day. For further consultation regarding human exposure, call the IDOH Rabies Epidemiologist at (317) 232-3084.

Virology Laboratory Section

The Virology Laboratory provides testing to detect viruses pathogenic to humans which may be of public health importance.  Detection of nucleic acids in specimens is used to identify infections caused by measles, mumps, herpes simplex virus (HSV), enteroviruses, SARS-CoV-2, and the influenza virus (The IDOHL has the unique ability to subtype influenza).  The virology laboratory also responds to new and emerging viral pathogens.