Laboratory accidents and breaches in biosafety – they do occur!

Abstract

In 2003 and 2004 the world became aware of three high profile microbiological incidents in Asia associated with infections with the SARS coronavirus (SARS CoV). Early in 2004 SARS was causing major disruption to many Asian countries, costing a considerable amount in lost trade and in handling the medical emergency. However, through strict quarantine measures, the disease was controlled and eradicated the virus as a cause of disease in humans (although it continues to exits in wildlife).