Possible Salmonella contagion at CDC lab

The CDC is investigating whether one of its laboratory workers was infected with Salmonella while working with the bacteria in a biosafety level 2 laboratory, according to a news release.

Preliminary laboratory tests showed the worker was infected with the same strain that was being worked on in the CDC laboratory. The worker, who is now well and back at the CDC, was trained by experienced microbiologists and completed all required safety training, according to the release. The CDC said the worker was following standard protocols while performing a basic procedure on a frozen sample in an attempt to culture or grow the bacteria. No other staff members are believed to have been exposed to the bacteria, and there was no release outside of the laboratory.

During its investigation, the CDC will determine whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent future exposures. Over the past few years, the agency implemented several interventions to enhance its laboratory safety program, such as supporting the Office of the Associate Director of Laboratory Science and Safety, reviewing laboratory safety protocols, and launching the Laboratory Leadership Service fellowship program.

“Laboratory science is critical to protect America’s health,” the release said. “However, this work carries risks. The agency has implemented rigorous steps to minimize these risks and to quickly investigate these incidents when they do occur including this recent incident.”