Lawmakers demand answers after NIH monkeypox smuggling incident
EXCLUSIVE — The National Institutes of Health is facing congressional scrutiny after two of its scientists were charged with allegedly smuggling vials of the infectious monkeypox virus and other biological samples into the United States, according to a copy of a letter shared exclusively with the Washington Examiner on Tuesday.
TL;DR
- Two NIH scientists, Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, face charges for allegedly smuggling monkeypox virus and other biological samples into the U.S.
- The scientists were apprehended at Detroit Metropolitan Airport carrying 113 vials, including deactivated monkeypox virus, chickenpox virus, and human DNA.
- Congressional Republicans have sent a letter to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya requesting information on oversight protocols and communication regarding the incident.
- The lawmakers are questioning NIH's awareness of the researchers' travel plans and their intention to transport biological material.
- The NIH has stated that the employees' access has been terminated and that they acted independently.