In The US Investigating Possible Infection Of Scientists [anthrax]

2023 Author: Abraham Higgins | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 23:16

In the US investigating possible infection of scientists [anthrax]

At least 75 scientists and staff at two CDC-based laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, could be contaminated with live anthrax bacteria due to safety regulations. The CDC believes the infection could have occurred on June 13th.

The causative agent of anthrax. Illustration from the site psy.tom.ru /

At least 75 scientists and staff at two CDC-based laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, could be contaminated with live anthrax bacteria due to safety concerns, Reuters reported.

Researchers worked to inactivate dangerous bacteria in a super-high security government bioterrorism laboratory, but then the samples, which turned out to be not completely neutralized, were transferred to three other CDC laboratories with a lower level of security, not equipped with special equipment for work with live Bacillus anthracis.

The CDC believes the infection could have occurred on June 13, when live microorganisms were found on microscope slides that scientists worked with in two of the three laboratories. Seven people were at greatest risk of infection when they worked directly with the samples without wearing a face shield.

The laboratories are currently closed for disinfection, and appropriate environmental samples have been taken. None of the laboratory staff have shown symptoms of anthrax yet. All of them are isolated and under medical supervision. They were prescribed a preventive two-month course of ciprofloxacin and vaccination. The incubation period for anthrax infection is five to seven days, but in some cases it can be up to two months.

The FBI is working with the CDC to investigate the incident. According to the representative of the department, there are no signs that in this case there was a deliberate violation of the rules.

Security oversight in government laboratories dealing with dangerous pathogens is a matter of particular public scrutiny after the FBI in 2008 blamed the post-September 11, 2001 anthrax disputes letters to senators and editorial offices. several media outlets on microbiologist, anthrax specialist Bruce Ivins, who has collaborated with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).