Home / Health / CDC Halts Key Disease Tests Amid Staff Cuts
CDC Halts Key Disease Tests Amid Staff Cuts
2 Apr
Summary
- CDC paused over two dozen infectious disease diagnostic tests.
- Staffing reductions of 20-25% impacted laboratory operations.
- Some state labs may cover the testing gap for now.
The federal disease-tracking agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has temporarily paused diagnostic testing for over two dozen infectious diseases. This significant halt includes tests for rabies, monkeypox, and various other ailments. The CDC attributes the pause to a routine review aimed at maintaining high-quality testing, with availability anticipated in the coming weeks.
This action follows extensive evaluations of the CDC's laboratory operations, exacerbated by recent downsizing. Staffing levels reportedly fell by 20% to 25%, with specialized labs like those for poxvirus and rabies losing approximately half their personnel. Some testing covers common infections with commercial alternatives, but also includes rarer agents like parasitic worms causing 'snail fever'.
While the CDC states it is ready to support state and local partners, the pause raises concerns, particularly if it becomes permanent. Some specialized state laboratories, such as those in New York and California, possess the capacity to compensate for the CDC's reduced testing capabilities during this period.
