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Japan to import Ebola and other deadly viruses as scientists prepare for Tokyo Olympics and Rugby World Cup
- Given the deadly risks of haemorrhagic fever viruses such as Ebola and Marburg, there has been resistance to the testing
- Scientists have emphasised these viruses can only be transmitted through human-to-human contact so airborne exposure poses no risk
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Some of the world’s deadliest viruses will be studied in the suburbs of Tokyo after a local mayor approved testing despite the objections of residents.
Masaru Fujino, mayor of Musashimurayama, held talks with Takumi Nemoto, the minister of health, labour and welfare, and agreed Japan needs to know more about the viruses that cause Ebola, Lassa, Marburg, Crimean-Congo and South American haemorrhagic fevers to better protect its citizens.
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The laboratory, operated by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), is the only Japanese facility classified biosafety level four (BSL4). Experts want to study the viruses in preparation for next year’s Rugby World Cup and Tokyo Olympic Games.
“We have come to a good level of understanding on the matter,” Nemoto told reporters after the meeting. “It is a major stride towards protection.”
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The ministry has pledged to tell the local government of any accidents at the facility and eventually consider relocating.
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