ESR applauds Ebola scare teamwork

ESR applauds Ebola scare teamwork

14 November 2014

Following confirmation that a suspicious liquid maliciously delivered in Auckland did not contain any traces of Ebola, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has praised those involved in the response and committed its resources to helping resolve all three incidents.

Health Programme Lead Dr Virginia Hope said although ESR is well versed in dealing with suspicious substances and harmful viruses, it wasn't often a threat combined the two.

"Working through a forensic process when a potential microbiological threat is involved requires a very considered and balanced assessment of the risks and good processes.

"We worked closely with the first responders, Police and Ministry of Health and together we were able to mount a quick and effective response to a serious incident which thankfully ended up posing little threat to public health.

"We were very grateful to our trans-Tasman partner (The Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory) for their immediate, professional and total support in being able to exclude Ebola as a genuine threat,” Dr Hope said.

Forensic sampling has already been undertaken and ESR will continue to provide Police with any assistance required for their on-going investigation.

For more information:
0800 ESR MEDIA (0800 377 633)
www.esr.cri.nz

ENDS

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