Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 3, 1995 TAG: 9506050035
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RESTON LENGTH: Medium
Several hundred research primates at the Hazelton Research Products laboratory died of the virus in 1989. The strain they carried wasn't fatal to humans, unlike the type that has killed more than 150 people over the past few weeks in a remote village in Zaire.
The containment of the virus in Reston was the basis for the recent book ``The Hot Zone'' by Richard Preston. ``Outbreak,'' a movie released this spring, also was based in part on events at the laboratory.
Atlantic Realty Co. bought the 30,000-square-foot property two years ago for less than $500,000, but had been unable to rent it. A day-care center has signed a lease and is expected to move in, said David Ross, the agent in charge of developing the property.
Last week, workers removed asbestos from the building. Bulldozers knocked down interior walls and equipment Thursday morning. Early next week, crews are to demolish the outer walls, Ross said.
The Reston monkeys were imported from the Philippines. Four handlers also were infected, but none fell ill from the virus. A few months later, humans also escaped illness from a second outbreak at the laboratory.
Scientists do not know the origin of the Ebola virus nor any cure for it. The virus causes high fever and massive internal and external bleeding. Death usually strikes within three weeks.
As crews demolished the building Thursday, some people came to watch.
Chris Tammaro, who lives near the former laboratory, said he is glad to see the building go.
``Most people have a bad reaction when they think about it,'' he said. ``Taking it down will ease their minds.''
by CNB