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A federal research facility dedicated to studying dangerous infectious diseases like Ebola has been ordered to cease operations by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Frederick, Maryland, a crucial part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located at Fort Detrick, was instructed to halt all experimental work effective April 29th. This facility plays a vital role in researching treatments and prevention strategies for high-consequence infectious diseases that pose significant risks to public health.
An internal email indicates that studies on Lassa fever, SARS-CoV-2, and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are being terminated. The email also noted that samples were being collected to preserve the value of these studies, and animals involved in the research would continue to be managed.
Sources indicate that representatives from the Department of Homeland Security have taken steps to secure biosafety-level-4 labs within the facility, which are designed for studying highly dangerous microbes like Ebola and Marburg. The IRF is one of a limited number of facilities worldwide capable of performing medical imaging on animals infected with BSL-4 agents.
Gigi Kwik Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, emphasized the significant setback to research caused by the closure, highlighting the potential costs and delays associated with restarting the facility.
Connie Schmaljohn, the facility’s director and a respected researcher with extensive publications and contributions to vaccine development, has reportedly been placed on administrative leave.
In an official statement, Bradley Moss, communication director for the NIH, confirmed the research pause, citing personnel issues involving contract staff that compromised the facility’s safety culture. During the stand-down, research will be suspended, and access will be limited to essential personnel.
This disruption follows HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement of widespread job cuts across federal health agencies, including the NIH, FDA, and CDC, as part of a restructuring plan.