JUST IN: FBI, CDC Investigating “Questionable Vials” Labeled Smallpox Found at Merck Lab Near Philadelphia
The FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating “questionable vials” labeled “smallpox” at a Merck lab near Philadelphia.
Fifteen vials were found in a freezer, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Smallpox is extremely deadly (30% fatality rate) so only two labs in the world – CDC in Atlanta and one in Russia – hold samples of the virus.
In 1980, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated.
Yahoo News reported:
The FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating “questionable vials” labeled “smallpox” and found in a freezer last night at a Merck facility outside Philadelphia, according to an alert sent to Department of Homeland Security leadership on Tuesday night.
