Elizabeth (Beth) R. Griffin was a gifted primate research worker. Her untimely death in 1997 brought global attention to the dangers of Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1, also known as B virus. Beth’s case remains one of the most cited and heartbreaking incidents in the history of laboratory biosafety.
On October 29, 1997, while working at the Yerkes Primate Research Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Elizabeth experienced an accidental ocular exposure while handling a rhesus macaque during a research procedure. As she leaned forward to check the animal’s condition, an unidentified substance came into contact with her eye.
The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), also called rhesus monkey, is a species of Old World monkey in the Macaca genus.
Because the incident appeared minor and did not involve a bite, scratch, or needle stick, Elizabeth did not perceive it as a serious exposure. At that time, B virus transmission was primarily associated with direct injuries such as bites or scratches.
Approximately ten days after the exposure, Beth began developing symptoms. She was later admitted to Emory University Hospital, where she initially responded well to antiviral treatment for about ten days and was discharged after showing certain improvements. However, shortly after returning home, she developed neurological symptoms, including weakness in her legs.
Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was readmitted to the hospital. On December 10, 1997, Elizabeth R. Griffin died at the age of 22 due to complications from B virus infection. Her case became one of the first documented instances of B virus transmission through ocular exposure.
Elizabeth R. Griffin was an intelligent and charismatic young woman with extraordinary academic and creative abilities. She was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee. Elizabeth attended public schools and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1993. During her school years, she was an excellent student and also stood out as a cheerleader, dancer, and show choir member.
Elizabeth later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend Agnes Scott College, where she pursued a double major in biology and psychology. She graduated with honors in May 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her time at college reflected her diverse interests: she was actively involved in modern dance and various volunteer programs.
Academically, Elizabeth was deeply committed to scientific research. She worked as a paid researcher in the biology department and also served as a research fellow for the National Science Foundation Undergraduate program.
At the time of her death, Beth was a research assistant at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She was preparing to apply for graduate studies in biological and psychological sciences.
According to the CDC, B virus infection is extremely rare. However, it can lead to severe brain damage or death if treatment is not started immediately.
People typically become infected with B virus if they are bitten or scratched by an infected macaque monkey or if they have contact with the monkey’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
Laboratory workers, veterinarians, and individuals who are frequently exposed to macaque monkeys have a higher risk of B virus infection.
A crucial question many ask is why Elizabeth Griffin was not wearing protective eyewear during this task. Kate Egan, a Yerkes spokesperson, told the Deseret News, “In every other case we know of, the infection is from a bite or a scratch or a needle stick.” Beth’s case represented one of the first documented ocular transmissions of B virus from monkey to human.
After Elizabeth Griffin’s death, her family sought to ensure that no other researchers would suffer a similar fate. As a result, they established the Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving biosafety, biosecurity, and occupational health in animal research.
During the early 2000s, the Foundation built collaborations with major science-based organizations, including the Association of Primate Veterinarians and the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. These partnerships helped the Foundation develop professional education programs and Medical Alert Information Cards that are now used globally by individuals who work with macaques.
The Foundation continues to focus on prevention through:
High-quality biosafety training
Education on biological exposure risks
Support for improved occupational health policies
The Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Internship was established by the ERG Research Foundation. The program was introduced to pay tribute to the role Agnes Scott College played in the development of Elizabeth’s scientific career.
Her scientific contributions were significant. She was a co-author on several peer-reviewed research publications, including studies on rhesus macaque behavior, prenatal hormone effects, and animal neurobiology. Her work continues to be cited in academic literature.
1. Georgetown University, Center for Global Health Science and Security. “Elizabeth R. Griffin Program.” Accessed February 7, 2026. https://ghss.georgetown.edu/elizabeth-r-griffin-program
2. Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation. “About.” Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.ergriffinresearch.org/about/about.php
