A potential bioterror bacteria being used in vaccine development research has slipped its chains. 5 monkeys have been diagnosed with Burkholderia pseudomallei, This is the beginning of a number of movies, none of which end well.

The sources we researched reported a fatality range averaging 30-50%. No one seems to be able to explain how this escaped a BSLIII lab – Biosafety Level 3 – the CDC’s definition is as follows:
“Biosafety Level 3 is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities where work is performed with indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease through the inhalation route of exposure”

Now, while we do not trumpet the calls of doom, we do find that risk factors can come from a very wide variety of sources. Seasonal influenza can be a hazard, as well as other common infections.

Security is about risk management, not playing meathead. The costs to a business from seasonal illness alone can be notable. While an outbreak of a significant disease is quite unlikely, and can not be planned for without significant expense, it does help to take note of the risk factors that can be managed.

The routine disinfection of   traffic areas and common surfaces is, in our opinion, crucial to a healthy work / home environment. From basic protocols to penetration testing , we have the knowledge and experience to help you reduce your exposure to pathogens.

The common sense advise in addition to that is to steer clear of high risk areas. Hospitals are chief amongst them. There have been many recent incidents of infections acquired in hospitals, and they seem to be adapting.

Now to those who say “the government is protecting us”,  take a look at this story, which is far from unique. The FDA admits that the device responsible for the “superbug” infections in the above article was allowed to remain on the market in order to avoid a product shortage. So the government knew it would kill people ( a 50% fatality rate), but didn’t want to interrupt the commerce of the device. That would be manslaughter in the private sector, and does not engender trust in the system.

So when it comes to any manner of security, we need to accept responsibility for it, because very rarely does a proxy stand up to examination.  While disaster management is what people think a risk consultant is for, the real value is found in prevention.

R. Steven Rogers Protective Services offers personal and corporate infection control risk management. Our medical professionals can offer cost effective solutions, including training and supplies, to assist you in protecting your most valuable asset – your employees.