In Queensland, Australia, vials containing some of the most dangerous viruses have gone missing. Over 300 samples of lethal pathogens, including the Hendra, Hantavirus, and Lyssavirus, disappeared from a laboratory due to a serious biosafety breach.
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SubscribeInterestingly, the loss was only confirmed in August 2023, even though the incident occurred back in 2021, writes the Daily Mail.
The vials that stored these deadly viruses were lost after a freezer malfunction. They were moved to another freezer without the proper documentation, which resulted in the materials potentially being lost or destroyed without adequate record-keeping.
One of the viruses, Hendra, can kill up to 57% of people infected with it, while other viruses can lead to severe illness or death:
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- Hantavirus: This virus lives in rats. When we come into contact with areas where rats have been (for instance, walking through their droppings), we can become ill. The disease it causes is very severe and often leads to death.
- Lyssavirus: Essentially, this is another form of rabies. If a person contracts this virus, they will almost certainly die.
Authorities assure that there is currently no evidence suggesting that the viruses could have fallen into the hands of malicious actors or been used as a weapon. Experts claim that these viruses rapidly lose their activity without the necessary storage conditions.
"It is hard to imagine a scenario where the public could be at risk," said Queensland's Chief Health Officer John Gerrard.
He added that even if the viruses were somehow used as biological weapons, it would require significant effort and genetic modification, which is impossible without serious laboratory conditions.
What’s Next?
Queensland authorities have ordered an independent investigation to be led by a former Supreme Court judge. Measures are being considered to prevent similar incidents in the future, including retraining staff and reviewing all procedures.
Regional Health Minister Tim Nicholls stated that there is currently no information suggesting that the missing viruses pose a threat to public health.
It remains unclear where the missing vials are located, but authorities assert that there is no risk to the population.
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