Explosion at virology research center in Russia

[RMH999]

According to the reports, it was a sanitation inspection room that was damaged/caught on fire. Virus wouldn't be stored in an area like that - they'd be in liquid nitrogen dewars or -80 freezer units (contained and shielded from effects) and stored in separate containment rooms. Also, viruses really don't like heat - it's very rare for any of them to survive above 50-70C for more than a few minutes.

The room was undergoing repairs, so all biohazardous materials should have been out of it and the room extensively cleaned (walls washed with disinfectant, etc) before repair work was to begin.

However, that is with the caveat of if Russia's telling the truth on the event.

RMH