Viruses That Were Actually Lab Leaks
The Infographics Show・14 minutes read
Janet Parker, a medical photographer in the UK, died from smallpox in 1978, leading to a quarantine of 500 people and the last known smallpox death globally, highlighting the dangers of lab leaks and the importance of stringent safety protocols to prevent future incidents. Various outbreaks and lab leaks, including Ebola and anthrax, underscore the potential risks of biological warfare and the need for transparency and effective containment measures to prevent further catastrophes.
Insights
- Smallpox, once a devastating disease killing millions, was eradicated in 1980 after the last known death in 1978, highlighting the importance of vaccination and global cooperation in combating deadly illnesses.
- Incidents of lab leaks involving dangerous pathogens like smallpox, Ebola, and anthrax underscore the critical need for stringent safety measures in research facilities to prevent accidental outbreaks and fatalities, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of mishandling deadly pathogens.
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Recent questions
What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It is characterized by fever, rash, and fluid-filled blisters that can lead to scarring or death. Smallpox was responsible for millions of deaths throughout history until it was officially eradicated in 1980 through a global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization.
How did smallpox impact the world?
Smallpox had a significant impact on the world, causing around 300 million deaths in the 20th century alone. The disease spread rapidly and had devastating consequences, leading to widespread outbreaks and high mortality rates. The eradication of smallpox marked a major milestone in public health history, showcasing the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and global cooperation in combating infectious diseases.
What are the dangers of lab leaks?
Lab leaks pose serious risks to public health and safety, as seen in incidents involving smallpox and Ebola viruses. Accidental releases of dangerous pathogens can lead to outbreaks, fatalities, and the need for extensive containment measures. Strict lab safety protocols are essential to prevent future leaks and protect against the potential consequences of mishandling infectious agents.
How does anthrax affect humans?
Anthrax is a bacterial infection that can affect humans through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Depending on the type of exposure, anthrax can cause symptoms ranging from skin lesions to severe respiratory distress or gastrointestinal issues. The fatality rates vary depending on the type of anthrax and the promptness of treatment, underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate medical intervention.
What was the "biological Chernobyl" incident?
The "biological Chernobyl" incident in the Soviet Union in 1979 involved a lab leak of anthrax that resulted in the deaths of 66 people. Initially covered up as contaminated meat consumption, the incident highlighted the dangers of biological warfare and the potential consequences of mishandling deadly pathogens. This event underscored the need for transparency in reporting such incidents and the risks associated with biological weapons research.
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Summary
00:00
"1978 Smallpox Outbreak: Last Known Worldwide Death"
- Summer of 1978, Janet Parker, a medical photographer, dies from smallpox in the UK, the last known smallpox death worldwide.
- Parker, vaccinated in '66, initially misdiagnosed with chickenpox, later diagnosed with Variola major, the worst type of smallpox.
- Parker's illness led to quarantine of 500 people, including her parents, with her mother also contracting the disease.
- Parker's father died in quarantine, suspected heart attack, autopsy prevented due to smallpox risk.
- Smallpox, an ancient disease, killed around 300 million people in the 20th century, eradicated in 1980.
- Smallpox lab leak in 1978 caused by unknown means, leading to strict measures and global concern.
- Last known smallpox lab leak in 1971 in the Soviet Union, resulting in fatalities and quarantine.
- Lab leak incidents involving Ebola virus, with accidental infections and fatalities, highlighting the dangers.
- Ebola virus infection carries a high fatality rate, no cure available, with accidental lab infections reported.
- Lab safety protocols crucial to prevent future leaks, citing past incidents like SARS escapes in 2004 and the potential risks involved.
10:25
Anthrax Outbreak: Deadly Consequences and Cover-ups
- 2,300 reindeer died due to Anthrax exposure, with one human death and numerous hospitalizations attributed to the incident, caused by global warming leading to the melting of ice and the resurfacing of the bacterium from buried animal bones.
- Anthrax has three types - affecting the skin, lungs, and digestive system - with fatality rates varying from 1% to 75% depending on the type and treatment received, highlighting the severity of the disease.
- In 1979, a biological weapon incident in the Soviet Union, known as the "biological Chernobyl," resulted in the deaths of 66 people due to a lab leak of anthrax, initially covered up as contaminated meat consumption, showcasing the dangers of biological warfare and the suppression of truth by authoritarian governments.
