Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiez
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Translation Google
One of the deadliest coronaviruses now stored in Spiez
The laboratory in Spiez (BE) is now storing one of the hardest-to-find and deadliest coronaviruses, one of the cases of MERS-CoV. The WHO told Keystone-ATS on Monday that it had added it to its international repository for biological samples at the Bernese site.
This content was published on October 20, 2025 - 6:18 p.m.
(Keystone-ATS) "Scientists around the world can now access verified material for one of the deadliest coronaviruses," the institution explains. This situation will allow for faster development of tests, vaccines, and drugs and preparation for a possible pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The latter considers sporadic MERS-CoV to be one of the most important pathogens for research related to public health emergencies. This coronavirus is one of three with pandemic potential.
It causes fatal respiratory illnesses in 37% of cases. Currently, no vaccine or medication is approved against this pathogen. The Spiez site received the strain, which circulates widely in African camel populations and can spread to humans.
In total, more than 70 laboratories from 30 countries have shared pathogens with it or requested samples with epidemic or pandemic potential. The international repository has already worked on COVID-19 research and facilitated access to material during the mpox epidemic.
The WHO wants to ensure equitable access and strengthen biosecurity worldwide. In addition to the Spiez site, which was reached with Switzerland during the last pandemic, it wants to establish repositories in all regions.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/un-des...-meurtriers-stocké-désormais-à-spiez/90197245