Japan lab to handle deadliest viruses for first time

[Mike Oxlong]

Via JT...what could go wrong?

A research lab in a Tokyo suburb will start handling some of the world’s deadliest viruses for the first time, officials said Tuesday, after local opposition blocked it for decades.

Japan has no active maximum level-four biosafety labs so the move will bring it in line with other G7 nations — there are about 40 such sites worldwide including some run by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Tokyo lab was built in 1981 and designed to handle the most dangerous known viruses, requiring scientists to wear full body suits with oxygen intakes to avoid contamination.

But local opponents feared exposure, arguing that the neighbourhood with schools and other community buildings would be at risk.

In response, the site was downgraded to a level-three facility where scientists can work with certain microbes such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus and the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

The decision to boost it to the highest biosafety level came as Health Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki signed an agreement with the mayor of the Musashimurayama suburb on Monday.

A health ministry spokesman said the upgrade would mean the lab could handle Ebola and the Lassa fever viruses, among others.

Healthcare experts welcomed the move, saying Japan trailed other countries — including the United States, France, and Singapore — and was hampered in its ability to contain deadly viruses in the event of an outbreak.

“Finally, Japan has caught up with other developed nations,” said Jiro Yasuda, a virology professor at Nagasaki University.

“Having an active level-four facility is a must to prevent infectious diseases” and develop vaccines and treatments, he added.

There have been several cases of suspected Ebola infection in Japan, but researchers were unable to analyze live viruses.

About 28,000 people have been infected with Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since late 2013, according to the WHO, and nearly half have died.

[Salty]

“Finally, Japan has caught up with other developed nations,”

Sort of fits right in there with Abe`s anti-security bills too. If you are going military, might as go all the way and include germ warfare – right?

[Yokohammer]

“Finally, Japan has caught up with other developed nations,”

Sort of fits right in there with Abe`s anti-security bills too. If you are going military, might as go all the way and include germ warfare – right?

My (terrifying) thoughts, exactly.

Could just be coincidence, but if you thought of it, and I thought of it ...

[Coligny]

There have been several cases of suspected Ebola infection in Japan, but researchers were unable to analyze live viruses.

Yet, they were able to develop ebola treatments (vaccine?)

I don't like this feeling that there is something not right in what I'm told...

Not right and maybe huge...

[Takechanpoo]

damn, its my neighborhood

20150803k0000e040134000p_size8.jpg

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E3 ... 631e?hl=ja

[Salty]

At least it isn`t next to a beach - where an unexpectedly large tsunami might open the doors.

[kurogane]

Exactly. I understand the concern, but look at what happened after Fukushima: everybody yelled that the sky was falling, and it was constantly in the news for a while and then it just disappeared as a news item or problem. I think we can all sleep safely knowing the same sort of people will be managing the security and safety issues related to the storing and research of deadly viruses, and that the Japanese media will keep a close eye on the operation.

[Russell]

damn, its my neighborhood

20150803k0000e040134000p_size8.jpg

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E3 ... 631e?hl=ja

The neighborhood where you live?

The neighborhood where you work?

The neighborhood where you beg?

[Coligny]

damn, its my neighborhood

20150803k0000e040134000p_size8.jpg

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E3 ... 631e?hl=ja

The neighborhood where you live?

The neighborhood where you work?

The neighborhood where you beg?

Get a room you two...

In the proper neighborhood...

[Salty]

damn, its my neighborhood

20150803k0000e040134000p_size8.jpg

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E3 ... 631e?hl=ja

The neighborhood where you live?

The neighborhood where you work?

The neighborhood where you beg?

If you zoom in with Google Earth - at the nearby park, you can see that blue tarp construction that marks the abode of the truly opinionated....

[Samurai_Jerk]

If you zoom in with Google Earth - at the nearby park, you can see that blue tarp construction that marks the abode of the truly opinionated....

I thought Coligny lived in an abandoned hospital in Toyohashi.

[Coligny]

If you zoom in with Google Earth - at the nearby park, you can see that blue tarp construction that marks the abode of the truly opinionated....

I thought Coligny lived in an abandoned hospital in Toyohashi.

Siri00zly that's all ya got ?

And the blue tarps are there as makshift fix for the roof leakz...