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Authorities in Australia have launched an investigation into the disappearance of hundreds of virus samples from a laboratory in Queensland, in what is being called a significant biosecurity breach.
The Queensland government revealed on Monday that 323 vials containing various infectious viruses, including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, were reported missing from the Public Health Virology Laboratory in August 2023. The announcement described the incident as a “serious breach of biosecurity protocols.”
Hendra virus, a zoonotic disease found only in Australia, can spread from animals to humans, while Lyssavirus is known to cause rabies. Hantavirus, which includes several strains, has been associated with severe illnesses and fatalities, according to health experts.
The lab, responsible for diagnostic services, research, and monitoring of mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens, is now under scrutiny to determine whether the samples were stolen or destroyed. However, officials have assured the public there is no evidence of community risk.
The Queensland government has initiated a “Part 9 investigation” to understand the circumstances surrounding the breach and strengthen safety measures. Health Minister Timothy Nicholls emphasized the importance of addressing the incident to prevent future occurrences.
“Given the gravity of this situation, Queensland Health is investigating all aspects, including staff conduct, compliance with regulations, and current laboratory procedures,” Nicholls stated. The department has already taken corrective actions, including staff retraining and material storage audits.
Dr. Sam Scarpino, an expert in AI and life sciences at Northeastern University, described the missing samples as a “critical lapse” in biosecurity. He highlighted the potential risks, noting that while the viruses have high fatality rates in humans, they do not easily transmit from person to person.
“Some hantaviruses have a fatality rate of up to 15%, significantly higher than COVID-19, while others are less severe. The risk to livestock and animals is also substantial,” Dr. Scarpino said.
Despite the low likelihood of an epidemic, authorities are taking the matter seriously. Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. John Gerrard, reassured the public that the samples would quickly lose their infectious nature outside controlled environments.
“There is no indication of improper disposal or public danger,” Dr. Gerrard stated. He also noted that Queensland has not recorded any cases of Hendra or Lyssavirus in humans over the past five years and no documented Hantavirus infections in Australia.
Dr. Scarpino added that transparency and investment in pathogen biosecurity are essential to prevent similar breaches in the future. “Understanding what happened to these samples is crucial to eliminate any residual risks,” he said, criticizing the delayed disclosure of the incident.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full details of the breach.
