INTERNAL REPORT ON H5N1 FLU LAB INCIDENT (15 AUG 2014)
The report found that:
- The incident did not appear to have posed a safety risk since the virus was handled solely under laboratory conditions appropriate for containment of HPAI H5N1 virus (biosafety level 3 with enhancements or BSL-3E), and were shipped with proper permits and packaging.
- The contamination most likely happened due to the failure of a laboratory scientist to adhere to established best practices and the absence of an approved laboratory team-specific protocol for the work being done.
- There was a lack of awareness and understanding about reporting requirements for Select Agents, such as H5N1, which contributed to the delay in reporting this incident.