As of today, there have been no reports of H2N2 infections in laboratory workers associated with the distribution of the H2N2 samples from CAP. The proper use of biological safety cabinets, along with the use of recommended personal protective equipment, greatly reduces the risk of laboratory-acquired influenza infections. While a few H2N2 laboratory acquired infections have been documented in the past, the likelihood of laboratory-acquired influenza infection is considered low when proper biosafety precautions are followed. The risk for the general population is also considered low. As a precautionary measure, WHO is recommending that all samples of the proficiency testing panel from CAP and any other proficiency testing providers containing H2N2 and any derivates be destroyed immediately. WHO further recommends that biosafety procedures be reviewed for use on influenza viruses that have not circulated recently in humans and against which the majority of the population would have no protective immunity.
*List of countries and areas
Bermuda
Belgium
Brazil
Chile
France
Germany
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
Israel
Italy
Japan
Lebanon
Mexico
The Republic of Korea
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Taiwan, China
From a WHO press release.