CDC outfitted with new camera system after several potentially dangerous incidents

After a series of dangerous accidents, the CDC is implementing a camera system to monitor their highest-security labs.

After a series of potentially dangerous accidents, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is introducing a camera system to monitor their labs, the agency told Reuters.

Last month, one lab worker risked contracting Ebola while working with a live virus that was supposed to have been inactive. The unidentified scientist wore gloves and a gown, but did not wear a protective face mask or any other recommended safety equipment.

Since last June, the agency has disclosed several incidents where existing safety protocols were not followed. In one instance, the scientists involved sent potentially live anthrax to one of the lower-security labs. Another incident involved a lethal strain of bird flu being sent to an external lab.

The CDC is made up of over 1,000 laboratories and research facilities and the agency exists to monitor and prevent outbreaks of disease. The reports of these major incidents have led to questions about the agency’s safety protocols.

The camera system will allow senior scientists and lab directors to monitor the labs and make sure that safety protocols are adhered to, Leslie Dauphin, interim director of laboratory safety, told Reuters.

As the selection process for a new director of laboratory safety could take several months, Dauphin is introducing these new safety measures in the mean time. A total of 67 cameras have been installed in key laboratories to ensure technicians follow protocol and especially to confirm that pathogens have been rendered harmless before transferring to another facility.

Biosafety experts have criticized the CDC for not taking action sooner, indicating that this series of incidents is not the first of its kind.

Dauphin indicated that other safety features will be explored, such as color coding live versus inactive samples. The CDC has also formed, for the first time, a group to offer standardized safety training to employees.

The anthrax and bird flu accidents have led to a congressional inquiry. The agency is also expected to give a statement about the Ebola incident later in the week.