JeremyVickers
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Hundreds of deadly virus samples have gone missing from a laboratory in Queensland, Australia, prompting a significant investigation into what has been described as a "major breach of biosecurity protocols." The Queensland government announced that 323 vials containing various infectious viruses, including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, were unaccounted for after a freezer malfunction.
Key Details of the Incident
- Nature of the Samples: The missing samples include nearly 100 vials of Hendra virus, which is known for its high fatality rate in humans, alongside 223 vials of Lyssa virus and two vials of Hanta virus. Hendra virus is primarily transmitted from animals to humans and has caused severe illness and fatalities in those infected.
- Timeline: The samples reportedly went missing in 2021, but the breach was only discovered in August 2023. This delay in detection has raised concerns about the laboratory's operational protocols and oversight.
- Investigation Launch: In response to the incident, Queensland Health has initiated a "Part 9 investigation" to determine how the samples went missing, assess regulatory compliance, and evaluate staff conduct. Health Minister Timothy Nicholls emphasized the importance of understanding what occurred to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Public Health Risk: Despite the serious nature of the breach, authorities have stated that there is currently "no evidence of risk to the community." Chief Health Officer Dr. John Gerrard noted that virus samples would degrade rapidly outside of controlled conditions, making them unlikely to pose a threat. He suggested that routine laboratory practices likely led to their destruction rather than improper disposal.