Variola Virus vials found from 1950’s

As most of you have heard, vials containing Smallpox were found recently in Bethesda, Maryland. (I hope everyone got the question right concerning Variola virus) The lab they were found in originally belonged to NIH, and later transferred to FDA in 1972. The vials were contained in an “unused” part of a storeroom. Immediately upon discovery the vials were placed in a containment lab and the Division of Select Agents and Toxins were notified.

The vials were moved to the CDC high containment lab in Atlanta. Testing was performed to confirm that the vials, in fact, did contain Smallpox. Currently these specimens are being tested on their ability to grow in tissue culture. Whatever the results may be, the samples will be completely destroyed after.

Since the 1950’s, the regulation of Smallpox containment has changed. There are only 2 agencies allowed to process Smallpox: the CDC and a lab in Novosibirsk, Russia. Both follow regulations from the World Health Organization. The FBI is investigating how these samples were not discovered previously.

This event raises concern since Smallpox has been considered “eradicated” since 1979, and the last natural case occurring in 1977. It can be transmitted from contact with face, body fluids, or contaminated objects. It is usually not transmitted through aerosol because the virus is not capable of living for an extended period of time in the air. Death occurs in only 30% of cases. Despite the previously devastating effects of this virus, the government feels this event was contained completely, and is not promoting the vaccine to the main population.