As many as 13 scientists and lab workers at the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta may have been exposed to Ebola.
A sample of live Ebola virus was accidentally sent Monday from a high security CDC lab to another lab down the hall that isn't equipped to handle live virus, The New York Times reports. The mistake was discovered Tuesday.
"I am troubled by this incident in our Ebola research laboratory in Atlanta,” said CDC director Tom Frieden, in a statement. "I have directed that there be a full review of every aspect of the incident and the that the CDC take all necessary measures."
One lab technician who handled the sample will be monitored for 21 days. Others who entered the lab, up to a dozen, have been contacted for assessment, The Washington Post reports.
There is no risk to the public, the CDC said.
The incident comes at the end of a year marked by the worst Ebola outbreak in history. More than 7,500 people in West Africa have died from the virus.
In Sierra Leone, Christmas gatherings were banned to prevent its spread.
Is there hope for Ebola treatment in 2015? Find out in this Newsy video:
Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk.
