Hundreds of Virus Samples Missing in Major Breach at Australian Lab

Queensland authorities launch investigation into the disappearance of infectious virus samples, including Hendra, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, from a state-run virology lab.

• Over 300 virus samples, including Hendra, Lyssavirus, and Hantavirus, went missing from Queensland's Public Health Virology Laboratory in August 2023.
• The breach is under investigation by Queensland Health, led by a retired supreme court justice, to determine what happened and prevent future incidents.
• Officials state there is no evidence of risk to public health, as the viruses degrade quickly outside controlled environments, but the lapse raises biosecurity concerns.
• The missing samples were discovered after a freezer malfunction, and authorities are unclear whether they were destroyed or misplaced during transfer.
• Queensland Health has implemented measures such as staff retraining and permit audits to ensure compliance with biosecurity protocols moving forward.

3 Articles

Free Press Journal Fox News Gizmodo