Antarctica experienced its first outbreak last month
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Sub-zero temperatures, month-long snowstorms and icy underfoot conditions make Antarctica one of the most dangerous places to live and work on the planet. At the 70 permanent research stations, domestic quarters can be claustrophobic, and the outside fieldwork relies upon skis, snowmobiles and heavy machinery.
Thousands of miles from the nearest intensive care unit, Antarctica has never been an ideal place to break a bone, have a diving accident or simply catch a cold. Supply ships try their best to arrive on schedule, but fresh food is rare, the winters are long and dark, and a vital medevac may be a long time coming.