News
18 December, 2024
Virus samples go missing
The State Government has directed Queensland Health to conduct a Part 9 Investigation into major breaches at the state’s Virology Laboratory, after it was revealed infectious virus samples stored at the lab are unaccounted for.
The laboratory provides state-wide specialist diagnostic services, surveillance and research for viruses and mosquito and tick-borne pathogens of medical importance.
Samples of Hendra virus, Lyssavirus and Hantavirus are unaccounted for and were discovered missing in August 2023, in a major breach of biosecurity controls.
The laboratory has not been able to determine if the materials were removed from secure storage or destroyed, although there is no evidence of risk to the community from the breach.
The Honourable Martin Daubney AM KC, retired Supreme Court Justice, has been appointed to lead the Investigation. Mr Julian Druce, previous head of the Virus Identification Lab at the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, has been appointed as co-investigator.
Minister Nicholls said the public had a right to know about the incident and it was critical the major breach is not repeated, which is why a Part 9 Investigation was necessary.
“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,” Minister Nicholls said.
“The department has advised me it has taken all necessary steps since being made aware of the breaches.”
“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.
“This investigation will also consider regulatory compliance and staff conduct.
“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.”
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard reinforced there was no evidence of risk to the community from this historical breach.
“It’s difficult to conceive of a scenario whereby the public could be at risk,” Dr Gerrard said.
“It’s important to note that virus samples would degrade very rapidly outside a low temperature freezer and become non-infectious.
“It’s most likely that the samples were destroyed by autoclaving as is routine laboratory practice and not adequately recorded.
“Importantly, no Hendra or Lyssavirus cases have been detected among humans in Queensland over the past five years, and there have been no reports of Hantavirus infections in humans ever in Australia.”
