Government in the state of Queensland in Australia has ordered an inquiry into what it said were ‘major breaches’ that led to infectious virus samples going missing from the state’s virology department. The government has ordered Queensland Health to carry out the probe which will be headed by a retired supreme court justice. The government said on Monday (December 9) that missing samples included those of Hendra virus, Hantavirus and Lyssavirus.
As per USA’s Centres for Disease Control (CDC) Hantaviruses can cause ‘serious illnesses and death’. Lyssavirus can use humans as host for its propogation. Hendra virus can transmit from animals to humans.
The virus samples went missing in August 2023.
Health Minister Timothy Nicholls said that the inquiry was launched as public had right to know what happened exactly.
“With such a serious breach of biosecurity protocols and infectious virus samples potentially missing, Queensland Health must investigate what occurred and how to prevent it from happening again,” said Nicholls as quoted in a press release issued by Queensland government.
“The department has advised me it has taken all necessary steps since being made aware of the breaches, including notifying regulators. The investigation is the next step in this process,” he added.
“The Part 9 Investigation will ensure nothing has been overlooked in responding to this incident and examine the current policies and procedures in operation today at the laboratory,” he said further
The minister also said that the probe will check conduct of the staff and how they are complying with regulations.
“I’m advised Queensland Health has taken proactive measures since discovering the breaches including retraining staff to ensure ongoing compliance with required regulations and an audit of all relevant permits to ensure accountability and correct storage of materials,” said Nicholls.
Although the security breach brings back memories of COVID-19 virus allegedly escaping from lab in China, the Queensland government said that there was no evidence of risk to community health.
