Dangerous viruses in laboratories, especially at this time it sounds scary, but of course it is quite normal. We have also stored such viruses in the Netherlands. It is necessary to be able to develop a vaccine, virologist Ab Osterhaus explains to Edition NL.
“Those viruses have received ratings from 1 to 4. The most dangerous viruses fall under number 4,” says Osterhaus. “If you want to fight a virus or make a vaccine, you have to test for the virus. And investigate how it spreads, ”says Osterhaus.
However, precautions are taken. “The really dangerous substances are under lock and key. We don’t even tell them which lab they are in, ”says the virologist. “Moreover, employees there have to wear a moon suit. There are also air pressure pumps so that air can only enter from the outside, not the other way around. ”
“There used to be a laboratory infection, but it was one of the first categories. Not so serious, ”Osterhaus reassures us. “And that was before those laboratories were properly secured.”
Sources): Edition NL
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