11.12.2024 00:40
In a public health laboratory in Queensland, Australia, 323 vials containing deadly viruses including Hendra, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus have gone missing.
323 missing virus samples from the Queensland Public Health Virology Laboratory have not been found. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls described the incident as a "serious breach of biosecurity protocols" and announced that a comprehensive investigation has been launched. The investigation will be conducted by retired Supreme Court Justice Martin Daubney. Additionally, Julian Druce, who previously headed the Virus Identification Laboratory, has been appointed as a co-investigator.
MINISTRY HAS TAKEN MEASURES TO PREVENT RECURRENCE
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the Ministry has stated that it has taken measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. Staff training, a review of laboratory procedures, and audits of permissions are among these measures. Authorities will increase inspections for laboratory staff to ensure that materials are stored correctly and that records are kept complete.
COULD THE MISSING SAMPLES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED?
Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard stated that the missing virus samples pose minimal risk to the public. Dr. Gerrard said, "Virus samples stored outside of a low-temperature freezer degrade quickly and lose their infective properties." He also emphasized that the missing samples were likely destroyed using the autoclaving method, which is a routine laboratory procedure, but this process may not have been recorded.
VIRUS NOT PREVIOUSLY SEEN IN HUMANS
Dr. Gerrard noted that there have been no cases of Hendra or Lyssavirus infection in Queensland in the last five years, and Hantavirus has never been seen in humans in Australia. This information was presented as reassurance to alleviate public concern.