Hundreds of Deadly Virus Samples Missing from Australian Lab

Brisbane, Australia – Queensland Health has confirmed the loss of 323 vials containing highly dangerous viruses from a state public health laboratory. 1 The alarming discovery was made in August 2023, but officials only recently disclosed the incident to the public.

A Serious Biosecurity Breach

Among the missing samples were nearly 100 vials of Hendra virus, two vials of Hantavirus, and 223 vials of Lyssavirus – all of which can cause severe illness and death in humans. The viruses are believed to have been misplaced during a transfer between freezers in 2021.

“The transfer of these virus samples is a matter of significant concern,” said Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer. “They were moved to a different freezer without proper documentation, and it’s possible they were removed from secure storage and lost.”

 

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How Did It Happen?

“The transfer of these virus samples is a matter of significant concern,” said Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer. “They were moved to a different freezer without proper documentation, and it’s possible they were removed from secure storage and lost.”

Queensland Health authorities have launched an independent investigation into the missing samples, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Martin Daubney AM KC. The investigation will examine how the samples came to be missing and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Hendra virus, primarily found in bats and horses, can infect humans and has a mortality rate of around 57%. Hantavirus, carried by rodents, can cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness with a fatality rate of 38%. Lyssavirus, a type of rabies virus, is nearly always fatal in humans if untreated.

Investigation Underway

Queensland Health authorities have launched an independent investigation into the missing samples, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Martin Daubney AM KC. The investigation will examine how the samples came to be missing and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

While there is no evidence to suggest that the public is at risk, the loss of these highly infectious agents has raised serious concerns about biosecurity and laboratory safety. Authorities have stressed that the viruses would likely have degraded outside of a freezer and posed no ongoing threat.

Potential Risks and Public Concerns

 “It’s difficult to envisage a scenario where the community could be at risk,” Dr. Gerrard said. “It’s highly likely the samples have been disposed of via the laboratory’s autoclave process and not adequately recorded.”

However, the incident has highlighted the importance of robust protocols for handling and storing hazardous materials. Experts have warned that such incidents could have far-reaching consequences if the pathogens were to fall into the wrong hands.

Conclusion

The disappearance of hundreds of deadly virus samples from a Queensland laboratory is a serious matter with far-reaching implications. While authorities are working to determine exactly what happened and to mitigate any potential risks, the incident underscores the critical need for enhanced biosecurity measures to protect public health.

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